Chinese President Xi Jinping gave special attention to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during their first meeting in six years. This dinner, held as the final event of China’s national Victory Day celebrations (marking the 80th anniversary of China’s triumph in the Anti-Japanese War and the World Anti-Fascist War), underscored China’s intention to exert influence as North Korea’s key ally.
On Thursday afternoon, Xi held a bilateral meeting with Kim that included dinner. While Xi had met with most leaders who attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit and the 80th anniversary parade earlier, Kim was notably the last leader he engaged with.
Earlier that day, the lack of news about a China–North Korea summit led to speculation that it might not occur. However, Xi’s decision to host Kim for dinner—a courtesy not extended to other leaders—highlighted the special treatment afforded to the North Korean leader.
Apart from Kim, Russian President Vladimir Putin was the only other leader to have a dinner meeting with Xi. Following their joint appearance at the Victory Day parade, this diplomatic dinner suggests that Kim received treatment comparable to that of a state guest.
Chinese state media, including Xinhua, reported that Xi emphasized to Kim the need to strengthen strategic cooperation on international and regional issues and to protect their shared interests.
Significantly, Xi expressed China’s unwavering support for North Korea’s pursuit of a development path tailored to its own circumstances. This stance indicates China’s full endorsement of North Korea’s new political and diplomatic direction, including its policies toward South Korea and its closer ties with Russia. It underscores China’s commitment to enhancing cooperation for North Korea’s success.
Xi further stated that China and North Korea are good neighbors, good friends, and good comrades who share a common destiny, adding that this position would remain unchanged regardless of shifts in the international landscape. This clearly signals China’s intent to align with North Korea in future diplomatic engagements with South Korea and the United States.
Analysts view this meeting as a restoration of the blood alliance between North Korea and China, which had cooled somewhat since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. China’s response to North Korea and Russia’s push for closer ties had previously been lukewarm.
However, the initiation of peace talks for the Ukraine conflict has reduced the factors driving geopolitical changes. Additionally, a strategic shift has become necessary, particularly as U.S. President Donald Trump exerted significant pressure on China while extending overtures for dialogue with North Korea.
While President Xi did not explicitly highlight the trilateral relationship during the Victory Day events, his actions suggest tacit acceptance. The special dinner for Kim sent a clear message that China, rather than Russia, was North Korea’s true ally, subtly asserting its superiority in the trilateral dynamic.
As a result, China is expected to take a proactive role, either as a mediator in advancing North Korea–U.S. dialogue or as North Korea’s ally in pressuring the U.S. This development could become a significant diplomatic variable for South Korea, necessitating more assertive diplomacy toward China.
With China now firmly positioned as a reliable ally alongside Russia, North Korea is likely to adopt a more aggressive diplomatic stance. Expectations are high for China’s active diplomacy toward South Korea and the U.S. during the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in late October.
This geopolitical shift is expected to significantly influence North Korea’s foreign policy decisions at the 9th Workers’ Party Congress, scheduled for late this year or early next year. Concerns are growing that North Korea has created a strategic environment in which it can navigate changing situations without being swayed by conciliatory measures from South Korea and the U.S.