Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties during a high-profile meeting at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People on September 4, 2025, following a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end.
The talks, attended by top officials from both nations, underscored a “traditional friendship” and a pledge to enhance cooperation, despite shifting geopolitical dynamics involving North Korea’s recent alignment with Russia. Xi emphasized that China’s support for North Korea would remain steadfast regardless of international changes, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
Kim, making a rare international trip—his first to China in six years—joined 26 world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, at the parade. North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency reported that the leaders discussed increasing high-level exchanges and strategic coordination to protect shared interests in regional and international affairs.
Kim’s visit, accompanied by his young daughter, fueled speculation about her potential role as a future leader. The North Korean leader departed Beijing by private train on Thursday evening. The meeting follows concerns in Beijing about Pyongyang’s growing ties with Moscow, particularly Kim’s support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with troops and ammunition in exchange for aid.
The summit has sparked speculation about a possible China-North Korea-Russia alignment against U.S. influence, though experts like Zhu Feng of Nanjing University caution against overstating a formal alliance, citing potential damage to China’s global image. Kim’s visit may also signal an effort to bolster leverage in potential future talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has expressed interest in resuming diplomacy with North Korea.
As North Korea faces heavy U.S. sanctions over its nuclear program, China remains its largest trading partner and aid provider, making this renewed pledge of cooperation significant for Pyongyang’s economic and diplomatic strategy.
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