Xi Vows 'Stable' China-North Korea Ties After Pyongyang Summit
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- Xi Jinping told Kim Jong Un he is ready to guide China-DPRK relations toward 'long-term, sound and stable' development, according to KCNA's report on Sunday (Jul 5).
- In a Jul 1 message, Xi thanked Kim for his congratulatory note marking the 105th anniversary of China's Communist Party and called the CPC and Workers' Party of Korea 'Marxist ruling parties' that have stood together for national independence.
- The exchange follows Xi's rare state visit to Pyongyang last month, where both leaders pledged to deepen ties amid rising Korean Peninsula tensions and North Korea's expanding military cooperation with Russia.
- Kim Jong Un described their summit as a 'historic occasion' and declared it North Korea's 'steadfast stand' to continue strengthening ties with Beijing.
- China accounts for nearly 98% of North Korea's foreign trade in 2024, per South Korea's Ministry of Economy and Finance — making Beijing Pyongyang's near-total economic lifeline.
- North Korea has sent soldiers and munitions to assist Russia's invasion of Ukraine, expanding security ties with Moscow even as it deepens its partnership with Beijing.
Why it matters: Xi's diplomatic message lands as North Korea deepens military cooperation with Russia — sending troops and munitions to support Moscow's war effort — while China simultaneously remains Pyongyang's near-total economic lifeline at 98% of 2024 foreign trade. Beijing's warm reaffirmation signals it sees no contradiction between Pyongyang's Russia alignment and its own bilateral partnership, leaving South Korea and its allies with fewer leverage points to isolate the Kim regime.
