Xi Jinping Seeks “New Chapter” in China–North Korea Ties After Kim’s Re‑Election

Chinese President Xi Jinping has congratulated North Korean leader Kim Jong-un after he cemented his leadership at the latest congress of the country’s ruling party.

Published February 24, 2025

Chinese President Xi Jinping has publicly expressed his intention to forge a fresh era of cooperation and strategic trust with North Korean leader Kim Jong‑un after Pyongyang’s pivotal political developments — a message signaling Beijing’s desire to keep its decades‑long alliance with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) strong even as regional alignments shift.

Xi’s outreach comes as Kim was recently re‑elected general secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) at the DPRK’s Ninth Party Congress — a gathering that reaffirmed his leadership and outlined domestic and foreign policy aims for the next five years.

Chinese Message of Support, Shared Socialist Vision

In a formal message delivered to Kim, Xi hailed the North Korean leader’s re‑election as reflecting “high trust and wholehearted support” and reiterated that China considers Pyongyang a friendly socialist neighbour whose relations with Beijing remain a core policy priority.

Xi’s statement emphasized that Beijing is “ready to work with Kim to open a new chapter in China–DPRK friendship,” to support socialist development in both countries, and to enhance welfare and mutual ties between their peoples — language underscoring the ideological framing of the relationship.

State media reports echo this theme, with Chinese leadership describing ties with North Korea as rooted in longstanding cooperation and mutual support, and affirming that consolidating these relations continues to be a “steadfast strategic policy” for China.

Context: Regional Shifts and Strategic Balancing

The reaffirmation of Beijing–Pyongyang ties comes at a moment of evolving geopolitical dynamics in East Asia:

• North Korea has strengthened ties with Russia, formalizing a comprehensive partnership in 2024 that highlighted expanded security and military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow.

• At the same time, the DPRK leadership has increasingly focused on military modernization and self‑reliance, while downgrading dialogue with Washington and Seoul since the collapse of U.S.–North Korea talks.

While these developments suggest Pyongyang’s diplomatic options beyond China, Xi’s recent message signals Beijing’s continued interest in keeping China at the centre of DPRK foreign policy and stabilizing what it considers a key bilateral relationship.

What This Means for China–DPRK Policy

Xi’s emphasis on “writing a new chapter” can be read as a diplomatic reaffirmation — and perhaps recalibration — of ties. Beijing aims to:

• Reinforce political trust at the highest leadership levels with Pyongyang;

• Project stability amidst shifting alliances involving Russia and U.S. influence in the region;

• and Advance strategic interests, including peace and security on the Korean Peninsula as well as broader Sino‑North Korean cooperation frameworks.

Whether this rhetoric translates into concrete policy shifts — such as economic initiatives, security cooperation, or coordinated diplomatic efforts with other regional partners — remains to be seen. But for now, Xi’s outreach underscores Beijing’s intent to remain deeply engaged with Pyongyang and to publicly reaffirm their historic partnership amid wider geopolitical competition.

Implications of Xi’s North Korea Outreach

Xi Jinping’s recent message to Kim Jong-un, calling for a “new chapter” in China–North Korea relations, carries significant strategic implications for East Asia and beyond. While Beijing frames the communication as ideological solidarity, there are deeper security and geopolitical dimensions at play.

1. Reinforcing China’s Influence in the Region

By publicly affirming strong ties with Pyongyang, China is signaling that it remains the primary power broker on the Korean Peninsula. With North Korea also deepening its relationship with Russia, Beijing’s move ensures that Pyongyang continues to see China as an indispensable ally. This is critical for regional balance and deterrence against U.S. and allied influence.

2. Strategic Hedging Amid Shifting Alliances

North Korea’s growing ties with Russia indicate a potential drift from complete reliance on China. Xi’s outreach may be a preventive measure to maintain influence, keeping China at the center of any future negotiations regarding security, nuclear policy, or regional trade. Maintaining a close relationship with North Korea reduces the risk of a fully multi-aligned Pyongyang, which could complicate regional security dynamics.

3. Implications for Regional Security

A strengthened China–North Korea relationship could have mixed effects on stability:

• Positively, it could stabilize Pyongyang’s foreign policy orientation, keeping communication channels open.

• Negatively, it might embolden North Korea’s military posture, particularly its missile and nuclear development programs, knowing Beijing offers political backing.

4. Strategic Messaging to the United States and Allies

This move can also be interpreted as China asserting its role as a strategic counterbalance in the region. By deepening ties with North Korea, Beijing signals that any approach to North Korea by Washington or regional allies must consider China’s interests first, reinforcing the idea that China has the final say in the peninsula’s security landscape.

 Overall Takeaway:

Xi Jinping’s outreach to Kim Jong-un underscores China’s intent to maintain and reinforce its influence over North Korea amid shifting alliances and growing Russian engagement. While framed as a message of friendship and ideological solidarity, it carries clear strategic implications: preserving regional leverage, hedging against Pyongyang’s independent moves, and sending a subtle signal to other powers about China’s central role in Korean Peninsula affairs. The development highlights that Beijing is actively shaping the security and diplomatic landscape in East Asia, ensuring that its interests remain paramount in any future negotiations or regional dynamics.

SOURCES: SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST – Xi Jinping expresses hope China can open ‘new chapter’ in relations with North Korea

BREITBART – Xi Jinping Seeks to Write ‘New Chapter’ with Kim Jong-un After North Korea Drifts to Russia

KOREA JOONG ANG DAILY – Xi Jinping Seeks “New Chapter” in China–North Korea Ties After Kim’s Re‑Election