Xi Jinping could mediate Trump-Kim talks during North Korea visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping is reportedly preparing for a possible visit to North Korea in the coming days as Beijing and Pyongyang move to strengthen ties. Reports suggest Xi could also seek to play a mediating role between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un amid renewed diplomatic activity surrounding Pyongyang.

According to a report by South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, citing senior government officials, Xi could travel to Pyongyang as early as next week. Another source familiar with the matter reportedly said Chinese security and protocol teams had recently visited North Korea, signalling that preparations for a high-level visit were already underway.

If confirmed, the trip would underline China’s efforts to strengthen ties with North Korea at a time of rising geopolitical uncertainty in the region.

Reports suggest Xi may also seek to position himself as a mediator between Trump and Kim Jong Un amid renewed discussions surrounding Pyongyang’s nuclear programme.

Trump, who recently met Xi, has repeatedly signalled openness to re-engaging diplomatically with Kim. During his first presidential term, Trump and Kim held three high-profile meetings aimed at reducing tensions over North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. Although those negotiations eventually stalled, Trump has continued to describe his relationship with Kim as positive and has indicated he would be willing to meet him again.

China remains North Korea’s most important economic and political ally, with Beijing serving as a crucial source of trade, diplomatic support and economic assistance for the isolated country.

Relations between the two neighbours had cooled during the COVID-19 pandemic as border restrictions and regional tensions disrupted exchanges. However, both sides have recently taken visible steps to rebuild cooperation and reinforce strategic ties.

Last year, Kim Jong Un visited Beijing and appeared alongside Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin during a major military parade, highlighting the growing alignment among the three countries amid shifting global power dynamics.

South Korea’s foreign ministry has not officially commented on the reports surrounding Xi’s potential visit. However, any meeting between Xi and Kim is likely to attract close international attention, particularly as diplomatic activity surrounding North Korea appears to be gaining momentum once again.

- Ends

With inputs from Reuters