Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and President of China, is once again being speculated to visit North Korea in the near future. If the speculation proves correct, it would mark his return to North Korea for the first time in seven years, since June 20, 2019.

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Kim Jong‑un, Chairman of North Korea’s State Affairs Commission, and Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and President of China, met at the 80th anniversary of China’s Victory Day held in Beijing in early September last year. They are also seen as likely to meet again this year. / Xinhua News Agency

Bloomberg reported on June 4 (local time) that analysis of photos taken by satellite company Venter on May 30 revealed fenced‑off areas and construction structures at Kim Il Sung Square in central Pyongyang, which had not appeared in satellite images a month earlier.

Similarly, U.S.‑based North Korea specialist outlet NK News reported on May 29 that large structures, presumed to be reviewing stands, were being installed at Kim Il Sung Square. The report was based on satellite imagery and photos taken by Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan during his visit to Pyongyang on May 26, which showed a structure surrounded by screens near the square.

NK News added that analysis of satellite images from Planet Labs indicated the fenced‑off area was the same location where temporary reviewing stands had been erected for welcoming ceremonies for President Vladimir Putin and President Alexander Lukashenko.

Diplomatic sources in Beijing noted that North Korea frequently uses Kim Il Sung Square for welcoming foreign leaders and other events. However, the current construction site has not previously been used for military parades or similar events. NK News pointed out that photos taken on May 24 showed no structures, suggesting construction began around May 26.

Despite the speculation, neither North Korea nor China has made any official comment on Xi Jinping’s possible visit. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular briefing on June 2, “I have no information to provide on this matter,” in response to questions about Xi’s potential trip. In conclusion, Xi’s visit to North Korea will remain unknown to anyone outside top officials of both countries until the moment it actually takes place.

                                                                                                            Hong Soon‑do