China, North Korea expand cooperation after Xi's visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded a two-day state visit to North Korea on June 9, marking his first trip to Pyongyang since 2019 and his first overseas journey of 2026. The visit, which included a 21-gun salute and a grand public welcome, resulted in agreements to expand bilateral cooperation across trade, agriculture, construction, science, and technology.

Following talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, President Xi declared that relations between the two countries had entered a new historical phase, emphasizing the achievement of important strategic agreements. The leaders participated in symbolic events, including a visit to a friendship tower honoring Chinese soldiers from the Korean War and the planting of a tree. Both sides also emphasized the importance of fully reopening border crossings and resuming civilian flights and train services.

Analysts view the summit as a calculated move by Beijing to reaffirm its influence over Pyongyang amid North Korea's deepening military partnership with Russia. While Russia has provided diplomatic cover, military technology, and economic lifelines, China remains North Korea's largest trading partner and primary source of...