Chinese President Xi Jinping is reportedly planning a visit to North Korea, an event that would mark only his second trip to the country since assuming power. This possible visit, hinted at by South Korean media and intelligence sources, is seen as a strategic move by Beijing to reaffirm its longstanding alliance with Pyongyang amid recent diplomatic shifts.
Neither Beijing nor Pyongyang have officially confirmed Xi’s visit, while the Chinese Foreign Ministry declined to comment during a routine press briefing. South Korea’s government acknowledged monitoring developments and expressed willingness to play a constructive role in supporting peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula should the meeting occur.
China remains North Korea’s largest trade partner and the most influential external backer, a status rooted historically in its involvement during the Korean War. Although the conflict never formally ended, the armistice has held since 1953. However, in recent years, Kim Jong-un’s regime has visibly distanced itself from China, especially following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reports suggest that Kim’s personal illness during the pandemic, confirmed by his sister Kim Yo-jong, precipitated a recalibration of alliances. Since then, Pyongyang has increasingly sought closer ties with Russia, notably supporting Moscow’s military efforts in Ukraine.
This realignment was underscored by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to Beijing, where both leaders signed a document reaffirming their solidarity with North Korea. The timing of Xi’s potential trip aligns with these developments, signaling Beijing’s intent to reassert influence over Pyongyang as global geopolitical landscapes shift.
South Korean media first broke the story through the Yonhap News Agency, citing unnamed high-level government officials with access to intelligence suggesting a high likelihood of Xi’s visit in late May or early June. Another major outlet, Korea JoongAng Daily, supported these claims by reporting rumors of recent visits by Chinese working-level officials to North Korea, indicating preparatory diplomatic activity.
South Korea’s presidential Blue House confirmed it is closely watching the situation, emphasizing hopes that interaction between China and North Korea will contribute positively to regional stability and peace efforts. The potential Xi-Kim meeting would come amid international calls for denuclearization and easing of tensions that have plagued the Korean Peninsula for decades.