Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un meet in Beijing on September 4, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua)

The meeting took place one day after a ceremony in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the world’s victory over fascism. This was the first in-person meeting between the two leaders in more than six years, since President Xi’s state visit to North Korea in June, 2019.

Mr. Xi said the Communist Party of China and his government highly value the friendship between the two countries and are ready to consolidate, develop, and maintain ties with North Korea, no matter how the international situation changes.

He said China is ready to enhance high-level exchanges and strategic communication with North Korea, deepen mutual understanding and friendship, strengthen interactions at all levels, and carry out practical cooperation in various fields. He called for joint efforts to enhance strategic coordination in international affairs to safeguard the two countries’ common interests.

President Xi said China is ready for closer coordination with North Korea to maintain peace and stability on the Korean peninsula.

Leader Kim said it is the steadfast will of North Korea to continue to deepen and develop relations with China.