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Published Jun 18, 2026Updated Jun 19 Major0
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Xi Jinping Departs Pyongyang After State Visit; Kim Jong Un Hosts Ceremonial Farewell
On June 9, Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded his state visit to North Korea and departed Pyongyang. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his wife hosted a formal farewell ceremony at the airport, with thousands of citizens and youth organized to participate in the sendoff.
Quick Facts
- State visit conclusion
- Airport farewell ceremony
- Organized crowd gatherings
- Flag and flower waving
- Friendly slogans chanted
Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded his state visit to North Korea on the afternoon of June 9, departing Pyongyang with a formal farewell ceremony hosted by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Kim Jong Un and his wife Ri Sol Ju attended the airport sendoff, where they orchestrated an elaborate ceremonial farewell for Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan.
Thousands of North Korean civilians and youth were mobilized for the occasion, standing in organized formations at the airport to welcome the departing Chinese delegation. Along the route to the airport, crowds from across Pyongyang gathered on both sides of the roads, waving Chinese and North Korean flags and flowers while chanting slogans celebrating China-North Korea friendship.
The ceremonial departure underscored the significance both nations place on their bilateral relationship. The visible show of popular support, coordinated displays of flags and flowers, and formal protocol observed during the sendoff reflected the diplomatic importance of Xi's visit to North Korea—a key partner in China's regional strategy.
Why This Matters
Xi's state visit to North Korea and the ceremonial departure demonstrate the strategic importance of the China-North Korea relationship amid regional geopolitical tensions. The public display of solidarity—with organized crowds, flags, and coordinated messaging—signals to both domestic and international audiences that Beijing and Pyongyang remain aligned partners. For readers, this underscores ongoing great-power dynamics in East Asia and the persistent diplomatic investment China maintains in North Korea despite international sanctions and broader regional uncertainties.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 9, 2026
WireXi Jinping departs Pyongyang after concluding state visit