Chinese President Xi Jinping visited North Korea for the first time in seven years and held a summit with leader Kim Jong-un. The two sides reaffirmed bilateral ties but made no mention of nuclear issues.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport on June 8 to begin a two-day state visit, his first trip to North Korea in seven years. He held summit talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and agreed to expand cooperation in politics, the economy, culture, science and the military.
Pyongyang's state media KCNA reported that the two leaders pledged to put their traditional friendship on firmer ground and usher in a new era in bilateral relations. Xi later sent a letter thanking Kim for the 'fruitful' summit and warm hospitality.
Nuclear issues were not discussed during the meetings. Analysts noted that China appeared more focused on countering U.S. influence than curbing North Korea's nuclear program.
Separately, Kim Yo-jong said on June 7 that Pyongyang's status as a nuclear-armed state is 'absolutely irreversible'.
