Editor's note: The Chinese version of this article was first published by Xinhua News Agency.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, is paying a state visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) from June 8 to 9 at the invitation of Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK.

The visit marks Xi's first overseas trip this year and his first state visit to the DPRK in seven years. Following Kim Jong Un's successful visit to China in September 2025, during which he attended events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the top leaders of the two countries once again met face to face.

President Xi has repeatedly emphasized that maintaining, consolidating, and developing China-DPRK relations has always been an unwavering policy of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government.

The friendship between China and the DPRK was forged by the elder generations of leaders of the two parties and countries. It was tempered through revolutionary struggles and deepened through the course of socialist construction. As a shared treasure of the two parties, the two countries, and their peoples, this friendship remains a valuable legacy. Xi has described it as a bond that has stood the test of time and remains as precious as ever.

In June 2008, Xi's first overseas trip after assuming a position in the central leadership was to the DPRK, China's friendly neighboring country connected by mountains and rivers.

In recent years, Xi and Kim have met on multiple occasions and maintained close communication through letters and messages. Their strategic guidance has charted the course for bilateral relations and opened a new chapter in China-DPRK friendship. The leadership of the two countries' heads of state remains the greatest political advantage and strongest guarantee for the continued development of bilateral ties.

In March 2018, Kim made an unofficial visit to China. During his first meeting with Xi, the two leaders reached an important consensus on developing the China-DPRK relationship in the new era.

In June 2019, Xi paid his first state visit to the DPRK. The visit marked a historic exchange of visits between the top leaders of the two countries during the 70th anniversary year of diplomatic relations. It was also the fifth meeting between Xi and Kim within little more than a year, adding another memorable chapter to the history of China-DPRK friendship.

As Xi has noted, "China-DPRK friendship accords with the wishes of the two peoples, serves the fundamental interests of both countries, and conforms to the trend of the times. It is also a strategic choice made by both sides from a long-term perspective and will not be shaken by changes in the international landscape." This observation underscores the enduring logic behind carrying forward the traditional friendship between the two countries.

China and the DPRK enjoy geographical proximity and cultural affinity. Cooperation across various fields is rooted in a long tradition and holds significant potential. Under the guidance of the two countries' top leaders, friendly exchanges and practical cooperation have continued to expand, injecting fresh vitality into the traditional friendship.

This year marks the beginning of China's 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030) and the 65th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between China and the DPRK. In February, the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea was successfully convened at a pivotal stage in the country's development. Xi sent a congratulatory message to Kim on his election as General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea.

At a time when profound global changes are accelerating and international uncertainties are increasing, Xi has expressed his willingness to work with Kim to guide relevant departments and localities in implementing the important consensus reached by the two sides. Together, they aim to write a new chapter in China–DPRK friendship, support the socialist development of both countries, enhance the well-being and friendship of their peoples, and contribute positively to regional and global peace, stability, development, and prosperity.

As the Song of China-DPRK Friendship declares, "We have a great friendship, and we have common ideals that unite us with unparalleled strength." Regardless of how the international situation evolves, the two parties, the two countries, and their peoples should continue to inherit and carry forward the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK.

Xi's state visit is expected to further advance China-DPRK relations in step with the times, deliver greater benefits to both countries and their peoples, and enrich the traditional friendship with new meaning for a new era.

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