Xi says he and Kim reached 'consensus' on new-era ties as China's first visit to North Korea in 7 years wraps up

By Seo Ji-yeon, The Herald Business

Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up his first state visit to North Korea in seven years Tuesday, reaffirming with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un a shared vision for "new-era" China-North Korea relations. The two countries agreed to expand cooperation in trade, science and technology, and education and culture — but made no mention of denuclearization or a Korean Peninsula peace framework in their official statements, underscoring the visit's emphasis on deepening strategic alignment.

According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency, Xi told Kim at a small luncheon at the Kumsusan State Guesthouse in Pyongyang on Tuesday that the two had reached "important consensus on developing China-DPRK relations in the new era" and had "conducted in-depth exchanges of views on safeguarding regional and global peace and stability."

"Both sides have come to understand each other more deeply and comprehensively, and have charted a clear direction for future development," Xi said. He added that he hoped to work with Kim to "lead the greater development of China-DPRK relations and inject new momentum into the socialist endeavors of both countries."

Kim said Xi's visit "conveyed a positive message to the world that it further strengthens the friendly and cooperative relations" between the two countries, and pledged to "faithfully implement the important consensus reached during the visit to further advance bilateral relations."

The visit was also marked by gestures symbolizing the two countries' traditional bond as blood allies.

Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan visited the Friendship Tower at the foot of Moranbong in Pyongyang on Tuesday. The monument commemorates Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers who died in North Korea during the Korean War. Xi observed a moment of silence before a wreath bearing the inscription "The martyrs of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army are immortal" and reviewed a register of the fallen along with related materials.

The two leaders agreed that the shared history of fighting side by side during the Korean War should be passed down as a common memory of both nations, and pledged to strengthen education in revolutionary traditions and youth education.

Xi then accompanied Kim on a visit to the Korean Workers' Party Central Cadre School — the first time a Chinese top leader has visited the institution. The two toured the campus and planted a fir tree together. The commemorative stone was inscribed with the phrase "China-Korea friendship, evergreen through the ages."

Xi departed for home after a farewell ceremony at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport on Tuesday afternoon. Kim and his wife Ri Sol-ju, who had greeted the Chinese delegation on Monday, came to the airport in person to see Xi and Peng off.

The visit was the first by a Chinese top leader to North Korea since 2019. Through summit talks and a joint statement, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic communication and expanding practical cooperation.

They agreed in particular to broaden exchanges in trade, agriculture, construction, science and technology, and education, culture and sports, and to maintain high-level contacts. The joint statement contained no reference to North Korea's denuclearization or a Korean Peninsula peace regime, leading analysts to suggest the two countries focused on reinforcing their traditional partnership amid intensifying US-China strategic competition and a shifting Northeast Asian security environment.