China Central Television (CCTV) announced today that President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to North Korea on 8-9/6, at the invitation of leader Kim Jong-un.

North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) confirmed the information but did not provide further details.

General Secretary and President of China, Xi Jinping. Photo: Reuters.

China is a key diplomatic and political supporter of North Korea. The two nations share close ties, but Chinese leaders rarely visit North Korea.

Xi Jinping previously made a state visit to North Korea in 2019, marking his first visit to the country as General Secretary and President of China. It was also the first visit by a Chinese head of state to North Korea in 14 years, since Hu Jintao's visit in 2005.

In 9/2025, China rolled out the red carpet to welcome North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Beijing. Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin were then guests at a Chinese military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of victory over fascist Japan in World War II.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited North Korea in 4/ and met leader Kim Jong-un. Wang emphasized the relationship between the two countries and stated that Beijing and Pyongyang should enhance coordination on important regional and global issues.

Huyen Le (According to CCTV, KCNA)