East Asia
Referring to his recent state visit to Pyongyang, Chinese President Xi Jinping thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for the "enthusiastic and friendly" hospitality during the trip.
Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during Xi's state visit to Pyongyang, North Korea, on Jun 8, 2026, in this picture released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency. (Photo: KCNA via Reuters)
05 Jul 2026 11:53AM
SEOUL: China's President Xi Jinping said he was ready to work with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to steer their bilateral relationship toward "long-term, sound and stable" development, Pyongyang's state media reported on Sunday (Jul 5).The exchange follows Xi's rare visit to North Korea last month, when the two leaders pledged to deepen ties as tensions rise on the Korean Peninsula and Pyongyang expands its military cooperation with Russia.In a message dated Jul 1, Xi thanked Kim for his congratulatory message marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of China's Communist Party, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).Xi said Kim's message reflected the "deep and warm feelings" of the North Korean leader, the ruling Workers' Party and the North Korean people toward China.
