According to a report from the Korean Central News Agency, Chinese President Xi Jinping has become the focal point for numerous global leaders seeking to strengthen ties with China. Since the beginning of 2026, a significant number of international figures have traveled to Beijing to re-establish and enhance their diplomatic relations with the nation.
Among the prominent visitors were U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, both of whom participated in grand ceremonies in China just days apart. The sight of these two influential leaders alongside Xi conveyed a strong message regarding his diplomatic stature and China’s ambition to assert itself as a formidable player on the global diplomatic stage.
This week, Xi added a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to his diplomatic agenda for 2026. However, this encounter marked a notable shift in Xi’s usual approach to diplomacy, as it was the first instance this year where he traveled abroad for a meeting.
In 2025, Xi made only four international trips, visiting Southeast Asia, Russia, Central Asia, and South Korea. Few relationships are deemed significant enough by Beijing to justify such visits, but North Korea is among that elite group. Their connection stems not only from a longstanding defense agreement and diplomatic history but also from the considerable threat posed by a nuclear-capable North Korea under Kim’s leadership, which is a pressing concern for Beijing.
China recognizes that if North Korea were to drift out of its sphere of influence, it could jeopardize the economic and security stability critical for China’s future prosperity. In recent years, however, China’s influence over North Korea has diminished as Pyongyang has sought closer ties with Russia. North Korea has been supplying troops and munitions to support Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine, while Russia has been providing essential economic support to North Korea through various resources.
This evolving partnership between Kim and Putin has left Beijing apprehensive about its relationship with Pyongyang, despite North Korea’s reliance on China for over 90% of its legitimate trade. Consequently, Xi’s first visit to North Korea in seven years aimed to reassert China’s influence and remind Kim of its leadership role in the bilateral relationship.
The reception Xi received during his visit was extravagant, with Kim expressing admiration for the Chinese leader. Billboards featuring Xi’s image adorned Pyongyang, and a grand gala dinner showcased performances celebrating their friendship, including a large screen displaying the phrase “Wo ai ni Zhongguo,” meaning “I love you, China.”
In the official statements following their meetings, both leaders emphasized their commitment to enhancing military and trade cooperation. Kim reaffirmed the strength of their alliance, declaring it “unbreakable.” He remarked to Xi, “Your choice of Pyongyang for the first overseas trip this year fully reflects the great importance you attach to [North Korea]-China relations and the profound friendship between the two countries, which is a tremendous encouragement to the [North Korean] side.”
Both leaders also expressed solidarity against Western pressures, vowing to uphold the “great spirit of resisting the United States.” This sentiment underscores Xi Jinping’s ambitions and his expanding diplomatic influence on the world stage. Notably, Xi is the only leader who has managed to engage directly with the heads of the U.S., Russia, and North Korea within a single month.
Xi has articulated his vision for fostering a multipolar world and opposing the unilateral global order currently dominated by the United States. In recent months, he has positioned himself as a reliable diplomatic leader amidst the turmoil created by U.S. actions.
However, one significant topic was conspicuously absent from discussions: North Korea’s nuclear program. Following Xi’s meeting with Trump in mid-May, there was speculation that Trump may have urged Xi to encourage Kim to engage with the U.S. regarding North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. Kim has consistently rejected any dialogue with Washington if the nuclear issue is part of the negotiations.
Many analysts believe that China may have, at least privately, come to terms with North Korea’s status as a de facto nuclear power, and may be reluctant to expend political capital to pressure Kim on his nuclear aspirations at this juncture. Nonetheless, as North Korea’s nuclear ambitions continue to grow, it will be crucial for Beijing to maintain a close relationship with its northern neighbor to safeguard its interests.
