PYONGYANG, Monday, June 8, 2026 (WNP): Chinese President Xi Jinping was accorded a grand welcome ceremony at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on Monday during his official visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), underscoring the longstanding ties between the two neighboring countries.

The ceremony was hosted by Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and President of the State Affairs of the DPRK, who received Xi Jinping with full state honors in the North Korean capital.

Xi, who also serves as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, reviewed honor guards and attended a series of ceremonial events held at the iconic Kim Il Sung Square, one of Pyongyang’s most prominent landmarks.

Thousands of participants gathered at the square to welcome the Chinese leader, reflecting the significance both countries attach to their traditional friendship and strategic cooperation.

The visit is expected to include high-level talks between Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un on bilateral relations, regional developments and ways to further strengthen cooperation between Beijing and Pyongyang.

China remains the DPRK’s largest trading partner and closest diplomatic ally, with both countries maintaining regular exchanges at political, economic and cultural levels.

The analysts view the visit as an important opportunity for the two leaders to reaffirm their commitment to deepening bilateral ties and enhancing coordination on issues of mutual interest amid evolving regional and international dynamics.

The welcome ceremony highlighted the close relationship between China and the DPRK and reaffirmed the importance both sides place on maintaining strong party-to-party and state-to-state relations.