PYONGYANG, Tuesday, June 9, 2026 (WNP): Chinese President Xi Jinping returned to Beijing on Tuesday afternoon after concluding a state visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), a trip that underscored the close political and strategic ties between the two neighboring countries.

Xi, who also serves as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, held extensive talks with DPRK leader Kim Jong Un during the visit, focusing on bilateral relations, regional developments and ways to further strengthen cooperation between Beijing and Pyongyang.

The visit coincided with the 65th anniversary of the China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepening traditional friendship and enhancing strategic coordination.

Upon the conclusion of the visit, Xi returned to the Chinese capital accompanied by First Lady Peng Liyuan, Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

During his stay in Pyongyang, Xi was accorded a grand welcome ceremony by DPRK leader Kim Jong Un and attended a series of high-level meetings and official events. The two leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening party-to-party and state-to-state relations and expanding cooperation in various fields.

Xi described China-DPRK relations as standing at a “new historical starting point” and expressed China’s readiness to work with the DPRK to promote the high-quality development of bilateral ties and contribute to regional peace and stability.

Kim Jong Un, for his part, reaffirmed the DPRK’s commitment to further advancing relations with China and praised Beijing’s support for his country’s development and socialist cause.

The visit highlighted the enduring strategic partnership between China and the DPRK and reaffirmed the importance both countries attach to maintaining close diplomatic, political and economic cooperation amid evolving regional and global challenges.