Visiting Pyongyang, Xi Jinping Asserts China and North Korea Share a Common Destiny
Chinese President Xi Jinping conducted an official visit to North Korea and attended a dinner banquet held at Mokran House, Pyongyang, on Monday (8/6/2026). During the occasion, Xi Jinping emphasised that the traditional friendship between China and North Korea will remain steadfast despite changes in the international situation.
The presidential motorcade was enthusiastically welcomed by North Korean citizens dressed in traditional attire along the route to the venue. Upon arriving at Mokran House at approximately 19:00 local time, Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, were warmly received by North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju.
This visit coincides with a significant milestone: the 65th anniversary of the signing of the ‘China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance’ in 1961. This historic agreement includes a clause guaranteeing direct military support if either nation faces an armed attack.
“China and Korea share mountains and rivers, as well as a common destiny. The traditional China-Korea friendship is inherited and grows even stronger through the tests of changing international circumstances,” stated Xi Jinping.
Xi Jinping added that he has reached an important consensus with Kim Jong Un to understand the great trends of the era, strengthen high-level interactions, and expand practical cooperation to elevate the relationship between the two nations to a higher level.
Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un expressed deep appreciation for Xi Jinping’s first overseas visit of the year, which was directed specifically to North Korea. He noted that this demonstrates invaluable support for his country’s socialist struggle.
“We warmly welcome the most honourable guest of the party, government, and people of North Korea. General Secretary Xi Jinping’s first overseas visit this year, directly to North Korea, shows great attention to the development of relations between our two parties and two nations, and provides the most precious support for North Korea’s socialist struggle,” said Kim Jong Un.
Kim Jong Un also expressed his belief that under the leadership of Xi Jinping, the Chinese people will successfully achieve a great national resurgence and build a strong, modern socialist state.
Geopolitically, bilateral relations between the two nations had previously been reported to be straining due to the deepening military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. However, this summit in Pyongyang is viewed as a new chapter in re-stabilising the relationship between these two traditional allies. Regardless, China remains the most influential economic partner for North Korea since the Korean War era of 1950-1953.