Xi Jinping Arrives in Pyongyang, Kim Jong-un Holds a Grand Welcome

JAKARTA - Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Pyongyang on Monday for a state visit to North Korea. His arrival was greeted directly by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in a large ceremony in the capital.

According to a report by China Daily quoted on Monday, June 8, Xi, who is also the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, came with his wife, Peng Liyuan. They were greeted by Kim Jong-un and his wife, Ri Sol-ju, at the airport.

Kim shook Xi's hand after the Chinese leader stepped down the plane's stairs. The greeting then continued to Kim Il-sung Square, one of the main symbolic locations in Pyongyang.

On the field, Kim held a state ceremony for Xi. The two leaders climbed onto the honor podium. A 21-gun salute was fired. The military band played the Chinese and North Korean national anthems.

Xi then inspected the honor guard of the three branches of the Korean People's Army. He also watched the troop parade with Kim.

Pyongyang residents welcomed Xi's arrival. Children, teenagers, and residents from various backgrounds stood with flags, flowers, and balloons. They clapped and cheered as Xi's entourage passed by.

China Daily reported that North Koreans also lined up on both sides of the road from the airport to Kim Il-sung Square, then from the square to the Kumsusan State Guest House.

Before arriving in Pyongyang, Xi wrote an article in Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Korean Workers' Party. In the article, Xi said his meeting with Kim would be used to discuss the traditional friendship between China and North Korea as well as the development of bilateral relations between the two countries.