Chinese state media are extensively covering President Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea, emphasizing the friendly atmosphere between the two nations after seven years.
On June 9, the People's Daily, the official newspaper of the Communist Party of China, filled its front and second pages with photos and articles related to Xi's visit. The front page featured images of Xi and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un smiling and shaking hands during their summit, attending an official welcome ceremony at Kim Il Sung Square, and enjoying a performance together with their spouses.
The newspaper also reported that a commentary published on the front page of the North Korean Workers' Party's newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, received enthusiastic responses in North Korea. The piece, titled "Inheriting the Past and Pioneering the Future, Advancing Together Through Trials to Continue Engraving a New Chapter of Traditional China-North Korea Friendship," was highlighted as a significant message ahead of Xi's visit.
The People's Daily included analyses from domestic and international experts on the importance of Xi's visit. Yang Shiyi, a researcher at the Chinese International Trade Institute, stated, "Xi's visit will activate friendly exchanges between the Communist Parties of China and North Korea in all areas, promoting continuous joint development in socialist construction." Dong Xiangrong, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, noted that Xi proposed expanding practical cooperation during the summit, indicating a significant direction for deepening China-North Korea relations.
China Central Television (CCTV) dedicated 22 minutes of its 30-minute main news broadcast the previous evening to Xi's visit. The coverage detailed Xi and his wife's arrival at Pyongyang's Sunan International Airport, a car parade through the city, the welcome ceremony at Kim Il Sung Square, the summit, dinner, and the performance, emphasizing the friendly ties between the two countries. The broadcast repeatedly showcased scenes of Pyongyang citizens waving flags, balloons, and bouquets in celebration of Xi's arrival.
Xi, who is making his first state visit to North Korea in seven years, is expected to conclude his two-day visit on June 9.
On the second day of his visit, Xi is anticipated to start his schedule by paying respects at the "Friendship Tower" in Pyongyang, a symbol of China-North Korea friendship. Built in 1959, the tower commemorates the Chinese People's Volunteer Army's participation in the Korean War and is a customary stop for high-ranking Chinese officials visiting North Korea to showcase the friendly relations between the two nations. Xi also visited the tower during his 2019 trip to commemorate the 70th anniversary of China-North Korea diplomatic relations.
Xi may hold a second meeting with Kim Jong Un over lunch, similar to their first visit seven years ago when the two leaders, accompanied by their spouses, visited the Friendship Tower before moving to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun for a stroll and lunch in the rose garden.
Xi is expected to depart for China later in the afternoon from Pyongyang's Sunan International Airport.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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