‘As close as lips and teeth’: The highs and lows of China-North Korea ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Pyongyang on June 18, 2024, marking his first visit to North Korea since 2019. The visit underscores the enduring strategic alignment between the two nations, often described by the Chinese Communist Party as being "as close as lips and teeth." Xi's delegation included high-ranking officials, signaling the importance Beijing places on this bilateral relationship. The agenda for the two-day summit is expected to cover economic cooperation, security issues, and regional stability, particularly in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea's state media reported that Xi was greeted with "enthusiastic" cheers from thousands of citizens, highlighting the ceremonial importance of the visit. This state visit follows a period of increased diplomatic engagement between the two countries, including multiple visits by North Korean officials to China and enhanced trade relations, which have seen a significant uptick since 2023. The summit aims to reaffirm their mutual support and discuss strategies for navigating the complex international landscape, especially concerning sanctions and denuclearization efforts.