At the invitation of Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President of the People’s Republic of China, will pay a state visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea from June 8 to 9.

This will be Xi Jinping’s first overseas trip this year and his first visit to North Korea in seven years. Following General Secretary Kim Jong Un’s successful visit to China in September 2025 to attend events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the top leaders of both parties and countries will meet face-to-face again.

Xi Jinping has repeatedly emphasized that maintaining, consolidating, and developing China-North Korea relations is always the unshakable policy of the Chinese Party and government.

Looking back, the China-North Korea friendship was personally forged by the older generation of leaders of both parties and countries, tempered in the revolutionary struggle of blood and fire, and continuously deepened in the course of socialist construction. It is a precious treasure shared by both parties, countries, and peoples. “As solid as gold and unbreakable over time,” Xi Jinping highly praised this profound friendship.

In June 2008, Xi Jinping’s first overseas trip after taking on central leadership duties began with a visit to the friendly neighboring country of North Korea, linked by shared mountains and rivers.

In recent years, Xi Jinping and General Secretary Kim Jong Un have met multiple times and maintained close communication through letters and messages, steering the development of relations between the two parties and countries and opening a new chapter in China-North Korea friendship. The strategic guidance of the top leaders of both sides is the greatest political advantage and strongest guarantee for the development of China-North Korea relations.

In March 2018, General Secretary Kim Jong Un made an unofficial visit to China. Xi Jinping held his first meeting with him, reaching important principled consensus on developing China-North Korea relations in the new era.

In June 2019, Xi Jinping made his first state visit to North Korea, not only achieving a historic reciprocal visit between top leaders at the important milestone of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, but also marking the fifth meeting between Xi Jinping and General Secretary Kim Jong Un in just over a year, writing another chapter in the story of China-North Korea friendship.

“China-North Korea friendship meets the wishes of both peoples, aligns with the fundamental interests of both countries, follows the trend of the times, and is a strategic choice made by both sides with a long-term perspective. It will not waver due to changes in the international landscape,” Xi Jinping profoundly revealed the inevitable logic of carrying forward the traditional friendship between China and North Korea.

China and North Korea are geographically close and culturally connected, with cooperation in various fields having both a long tradition and deep potential. Under the leadership of the top leaders of both parties and countries, the friendly cooperation between China and North Korea continues to be consolidated and developed, injecting new vitality into the traditional friendship.

This year marks the start of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and the 65th anniversary of the signing of the China-North Korea Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance. In February, the 9th Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea was successfully held at a critical juncture in the transition of the North Korean Party and state affairs. Xi Jinping sent a message to Kim Jong Un, congratulating him on being elected as General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea.

Facing the accelerated evolution of a century of change and the intertwined turmoil of the international situation, Xi Jinping clearly stated: “I am willing to work with Comrade General Secretary to guide relevant departments and localities of both sides to implement the important consensus we have reached, write a new chapter in China-North Korea friendship, serve the socialist construction of both countries, enhance the well-being and friendship of both peoples, and make positive contributions to promoting peace, stability, and development and prosperity in the region and the world.”

“We have great friendship, we have common ideals, uniting us incredibly strong.” As expressed in the “Song of China-North Korea Friendship,” no matter how the international situation changes, the two parties, countries, and peoples must pass on and carry forward the traditional China-North Korea friendship.

Pyongyang in June is full of vitality, everywhere brimming with eager anticipation for the arrival of the distinguished Chinese guest. Xi Jinping’s state visit to North Korea will surely promote the development of China-North Korea relations to keep pace with the times, achieve greater progress,

Workers’ Party of Korea

The Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) is the founding and ruling political party of North Korea, established in 1949 from the merger of the North Korean Workers’ Party and the South Korean Workers’ Party. It has governed the country under the ideology of *Juche* (self-reliance) and, later, *Songun* (military-first), with power concentrated in the Kim family dynasty. The party holds a monopoly on political power, operating a highly centralized system that controls all aspects of North Korean society.

State Affairs Commission

The State Affairs Commission is a key administrative body in North Korea, established under the country’s constitution to oversee national defense, security, and major state affairs. It was formally created in 2016, replacing the previous National Defense Commission, and is headed by the Supreme Leader, currently Kim Jong-un, who holds ultimate authority over its decisions. The commission plays a central role in consolidating the leadership’s control over the military and government, reflecting the regime’s emphasis on centralized power.

Communist Party of China

The Communist Party of China (CPC) is the founding and ruling political party of the People’s Republic of China, established in July 1921. It led the Chinese Revolution, which culminated in the establishment of the PRC in 1949, and has since overseen the country’s transformation into a major global power through economic reforms and centralized governance. The CPC remains the sole ruling party, with its leadership enshrined in the Chinese constitution.

Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression

The Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression refers to China’s eight-year struggle from 1937 to 1945 as part of World War II, during which Chinese forces and civilians fought to repel Japanese invasion and occupation. This conflict, also known as the Second Sino-Japanese War, resulted in immense suffering and casualties, but ultimately ended with Japan’s surrender in 1945. The war is commemorated as a pivotal moment in modern Chinese history, symbolizing national unity and resilience against foreign aggression.

World Anti-Fascist War

The “World Anti-Fascist War” refers to the global conflict from 1939 to 1945, known primarily as World War II, in which the Allied powers fought against the Axis forces led by Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Imperial Japan. This war was a pivotal struggle against totalitarian regimes and ideologies, culminating in the defeat of fascism and the establishment of the United Nations to promote international peace. Its legacy includes profound geopolitical changes, the Nuremberg trials, and ongoing efforts to remember and educate about the horrors of genocide and aggression.

China-North Korea Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance

The China-North Korea Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance is a bilateral agreement signed on July 11, 1961, in Beijing, aimed at strengthening political, economic, and military ties between the two countries. It includes a mutual defense clause, requiring each party to provide military aid if the other is attacked, and has been renewed periodically, remaining a cornerstone of their alliance. The treaty reflects the historical alignment of both nations during the Cold War and continues to underpin their close diplomatic relationship today.

9th Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea

The 9th Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea was a significant political event held in May 2021 in Pyongyang, marking the first party congress in over five years. During the congress, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un outlined new economic development plans and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to strengthening its military capabilities. The event served as a platform to consolidate Kim’s leadership and set policy directions for the ruling party.

Song of China-North Korea Friendship

The “Song of China-North Korea Friendship” is a symbolic cultural and political landmark celebrating the enduring alliance between China and North Korea. Composed during the mid-20th century, it reflects the historical bond formed through their shared struggles during the Korean War and subsequent cooperation. The site or monument associated with this song often serves as a venue for bilateral events, reinforcing the diplomatic and cultural ties between the two nations.