June 5, 2026 | 06:53 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to make a diplomatic visit to North Korea from June 8 to 9. This will be Xi's first visit to Pyongyang in seven years.According to Anadolu, since assuming office as the President of China, Xi first visited North Korea in 2019. The last meeting between the leaders of the two socialist countries took place in Beijing, when Kim Jong Un attended a military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of China's Victory Day.The visit, announced on Friday, June 5, 2026, is seen as China's effort to strengthen its relationship with its ally after a strained period due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite being North Korea's only official ally, Pyongyang has increasingly developed closer ties with Moscow in recent years.However, despite the growing bilateral relationship between Pyongyang and Moscow, Beijing remains the most significant partner. According to the 2022 statistical data from the National Committee on North Korea cited by Al Jazeera, North Korea relies heavily on China for all of its economic activities.The data shows that China is North Korea's primary trading partner; 95 percent of North Korea's total trade and 85 percent of its export activities are directed toward the Chinese market.Previously, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi conducted a diplomatic mission to North Korea in April. He stated that the two countries should improve their coordination on international and regional issues and maintain close communication and interaction.One of China's concerns is the North Korean nuclear weapons program. North Korea is planning to expand its arms program exponentially.One researcher from the Korea Institute for National Unification (KINU), Hong Min, told AFP, as cited by Al Jazeera, that China needs to monitor North Korea's rapidly developing nuclear program. In the past, South Korea has asked China to play a constructive role in ensuring peace and stability in the region."This aspect needs to be managed. If North Korea acts in a provocative and belligerent manner, it could trigger regional conflict, which could run counter to China’s interests," said Hong.Read: North Korea Unveils Plant to Fuel Nuclear WeaponsClick here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
