Overview
- Chinese state media said the leaders met in the Great Hall of the People following the 80th‑anniversary military parade in Tiananmen Square.
- Xi pledged to maintain, consolidate and develop relations, with plans to deepen strategic communication and economic coordination, according to Xinhua and the Foreign Ministry.
- KCNA reported that Kim affirmed the friendship would not change regardless of the international situation and that he departed Beijing by armored train after the meeting.
- Beijing defended inviting Vladimir Putin and Kim to the parade, insisting its diplomacy is not directed against third parties and rebuking Western criticism.
- The visit comes as Pyongyang expands cooperation with Moscow, including reported deployments of thousands of North Korean fighters to Russia and a 2024 defense pact, according to South Korean estimates and prior reports.