China seeks closer engagement with North Korea during Xi's first visit in seven years

Chinese President Xi Jinping will arrive in North Korea on Monday for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening ties between Beijing and Pyongyang, as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un seeks to project confidence amid growing military and economic cooperation with Russia.

The visit is Xi's first trip to North Korea in seven years and comes at a time when regional dynamics have shifted significantly.

Since Xi's last visit in 2019, North Korea has expanded its nuclear programme, deepened ties with Moscow, and shown little interest in reviving engagement with the United States.

The visit is seen as an opportunity for both leaders to reinforce bilateral relations while pursuing their respective strategic goals. For China, the trip is seen as part of an effort to maintain influence over its long-time neighbour at a time when North Korea has moved closer to Russia.

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For Kim, the visit offers diplomatic validation as his government continues to face international sanctions over its nuclear programme.

In recent years, North Korea has strengthened military and economic links with Russia, including through support for Moscow during the war in Ukraine. The growing relationship has provided Pyongyang with greater strategic flexibility and reduced concerns about excessive dependence on China.

Ahead of Xi's arrival, North Korea highlighted its military capabilities by announcing plans for a 10,000-ton naval destroyer and reaffirming its status as a nuclear-armed state. The moves were widely interpreted as an effort to demonstrate strength before the summit.

Economic cooperation in focus

While security issues are expected to remain an important backdrop to the visit, economic cooperation is likely to dominate formal discussions.

North Korea is currently pursuing a five-year development plan that includes expanding tourism, improving infrastructure and increasing housing construction. China is expected to play a key role in supporting these efforts through trade and investment.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Chinese visitors accounted for the vast majority of foreign tourists to North Korea. Tourism remains an important source of foreign currency for the isolated country, and the gradual reopening of cross-border travel could provide a boost to its economy.

Kim has continued to prioritise the expansion of North Korea's nuclear capabilities. Recent statements from Pyongyang have signalled plans to further strengthen the country's nuclear deterrent and increase weapons production.

The Xi-Kim summit is therefore expected to highlight growing economic cooperation while also reflecting the complex strategic realities shaping relations between China, North Korea and the wider region.