Addis Ababa, June 8, 2026 (FMC) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday outlined four priorities for advancing relations between China and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) during talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang, according to China’s People’s Daily.
Xi said the two countries should strengthen political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, deepen people-to-people exchanges, and enhance strategic coordination to further elevate bilateral relations.
The Chinese president described his visit as an opportunity to strengthen top-level planning and strategic guidance for China-DPRK relations in the new era, expressing confidence that closer cooperation would benefit both countries and contribute to regional peace, stability and development, the newspaper reported.
Xi also reaffirmed China’s commitment to its longstanding ties with the DPRK, saying Beijing’s policy of valuing traditional friendship, supporting North Korea’s development, and safeguarding the common interests of the two countries remains unchanged despite evolving international circumstances.
According to People’s Daily, Xi proposed expanding cooperation in areas including trade, agriculture, construction, science and technology, healthcare, education, culture, tourism, sports and media, while encouraging greater people-to-people exchanges following the reopening of border crossings and the resumption of cross-border transport services.
On regional affairs, Xi emphasized the importance of closer strategic coordination to safeguard the two countries’ sovereignty, security and development interests and to jointly promote peace, stability and development in the region.
Xi also noted that this year marks the 65th anniversary of the China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, saying the milestone will be commemorated through a series of official events.
The remarks were delivered during Xi’s meeting with Kim as part of the Chinese leader’s two-day state visit to North Korea, his first visit to the country in seven years.