Xi Jinping's June 2026 Visit to Pyongyang: Chinese Acceptance of North Korea's Nuclear Status and Kim's Autonomy (osw.waw.pl)

• Xi Jinping visited Pyongyang on 8–9 June 2026 to mark the 65th anniversary of the Sino-North Korean friendship treaty.
• Official communiqués omitted references to denuclearization, signaling China's acceptance of North Korea's nuclear status.
• North Korea's trade dependence on China stands at 98%, but Beijing has lost political influence over Pyongyang.

"The article analyzes how Xi Jinping's visit to Pyongyang on 8–9 June 2026 marked China's acceptance of North Korea's growing independence under Kim Jong Un, including its nuclear programme. Since Kim came to power, he systematically reduced Chinese influence through purges, border closures during COVID-19, and diplomatic engagement with the US and Russia. Despite North Korea's 98% trade dependence on China, Beijing has lost leverage over Pyongyang's domestic and strategic decisions. The visit focused on symbolic reaffirmation of cooperation, with border reopening and economic ties, but omitted denuclearization references. China's priority remains managing instability to prevent regime collapse or Korean reunification under South Korea."