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

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Pyongyang on Monday for a state visit, receiving a ceremonial welcome as North Korea marked his first trip to the country in seven years. The visit, Xi's first overseas journey of 2026, comes amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in East Asia and renewed focus on Beijing's ties with Pyongyang.

Escorted by a convoy of motorcycles, Xi's motorcade passed through the Arch of Triumph in the North Korean capital as he began the high-profile visit.

Xi reaffirms enduring alliance

Ahead of his arrival, Xi published a front-page editorial in North Korea's state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun, emphasising that the long-standing partnership between Beijing and Pyongyang would remain strong regardless of international developments.

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In the article, he described the relationship as "invincible" and stressed that the traditional alliance would remain resilient despite changes in the global environment.

The visit underlines the importance China places on its relationship with North Korea and its role in shaping developments on the Korean Peninsula.

Visit comes amid shifting regional alliances

The summit takes place against the backdrop of deepening ties between North Korea and Russia.

Since Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a mutual defence pact in 2024, cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang has expanded significantly in the security and defence spheres.

Analysts view Xi's visit as an effort by Beijing to maintain its influence over North Korea at a time when Russia's engagement with Pyongyang has increased.

China positions itself in diplomatic discussions

Xi's trip follows separate meetings in Beijing with Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump.

The timing places China at the centre of diplomatic discussions involving North Korea and wider regional security issues.

By engaging directly with Pyongyang after hosting both leaders, Xi is signalling China's continued role in discussions concerning the Korean Peninsula and its future security arrangements.

The meetings also coincide with the 65th anniversary of the 1961 China-North Korea Treaty of Friendship, Co-operation, and Mutual Assistance.

The agreement remains China's only formal mutual defence pact with another country.

In his editorial, Xi also criticised growing security cooperation among the US, Japan and South Korea, saying both China and North Korea should oppose outside efforts aimed at reviving regional militarism.