Xi Jinping arrives in Pyongyang for first North Korea visit in seven years

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Pyongyang on Monday for a two-day state visit, marking his first trip to North Korea in seven years. Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, were welcomed at Pyongyang's Sunan International Airport by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, according to China's state news agency Xinhua.

The arrival ceremony included a 21-gun salute and military honors. Xi's entourage included Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Cai Qi, the Chinese leader's de facto chief of staff. Thousands of North Koreans lined the streets of Pyongyang waving flags, flowers and balloons as Xi traveled from the airport to the city center. A red carpet lined with North Korean honour guards greeted the Chinese delegation.

Xi and Peng were taken to Kim Il Sung Square in central Pyongyang, where a mass rally was held. The Chinese president is staying at the Kumsusan State Guesthouse during the visit.

The trip represents a significant diplomatic engagement at a time when North Korea has deepened its military and trade relationship with Russia. In a letter published in North Korea's state-run Rodong Sinmun newspaper ahead of the visit, Xi wrote that "no matter how times change or how the international situation evolves, the traditional friendship between China and North Korea remains unbreakable, enduring, and constantly radiates vitality."

China has long been North Korea's largest trading partner and primary geopolitical and financial benefactor since the Korean War. International observers say China continues to help Pyongyang navigate punishing economic sanctions.

The visit comes as Beijing seeks to reassert influence over a strategically vital partner that has drawn closer to Russia. Analysts suggest North Korea may use the summit to press for economic concessions and potentially Beijing's recognition of its nuclear status. China is likely to seek Pyongyang's alignment on Taiwan and push back against what it views as Japan's increasingly assertive defense posture.

The trip marks Xi's first overseas visit in seven months, as the Chinese leader has curtailed international travel in recent years. His last visit to North Korea was in 2019.