Satellite imagery from May 30 revealed a fenced-off area and active construction in Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital, raising speculation about a possible visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping [1, 2, 3].
The section under construction has previously been used for hosting foreign leaders. Russian President Vladimir Putin was welcomed there in 2024, and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in 2026, indicating the area’s function for high-profile diplomatic events [1, 2, 3].
Xi Jinping may make his first trip to North Korea in over six years, potentially in early June 2026, although Chinese and North Korean officials have not confirmed the visit [1, 2, 3]. A South Korean government source noted that a Chinese security and protocol team arrived in Pyongyang on May 20, which some interpreted as preparation for Xi’s possible arrival [2]. However, other South Korean media reported on June 1 that Xi’s visit in early June is unlikely due to busy diplomatic schedules [2].
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited North Korea earlier in 2026, marking his first trip there in six years [1]. In September 2025, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a rare trip to Beijing, meeting both Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin [1]. These visits signal intensified diplomatic activity between the countries.
Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan recently posted a video showing construction materials in Kim Il Sung Square during his trip to North Korea last week, corroborating the satellite observations [1, 2].
The next major event in North Korea is the 75th anniversary of the Korean War on June 25, 2026, which could be a focal point for diplomatic ceremonies [1, 2]. Rachel Minyoung Lee of the Stimson Centre said, "The North Korean leader has made it clear that he views his country as an important world player, which has been highlighted by a flurry of diplomatic activity in recent months" [1].
