Xi Jinping Hosts Kim Jong-un Summit in Beijing Amid Tense Global Context

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is set to hold a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, marking their first meeting in over six years. The talks, confirmed by China's Foreign Ministry, will focus on strengthening bilateral relations, strategic communication, and governance exchanges, reflecting a desire to deepen cooperation between the two countries. Kim's visit, which included attending a major military parade alongside Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, is seen as a signal of the normalization and strengthening of ties between China, North Korea, and Russia amid shifting global alliances. This visit is only Kim's second known foreign trip in six years and includes his daughter Kim Ju Ae, fueling speculation about future leadership succession. The renewed engagement with China may also be an effort to improve North Korea's negotiating position ahead of potential talks with the United States, as President Trump has expressed interest in meeting Kim again. Despite criticism from Trump accusing the leaders of conspiring against the U.S., China denies any such intent, emphasizing the parade was to honor history and peace.