Watch: Why is China's Xi Jinping visiting North Korea?

Watch: Why is China's Xi Jinping visiting North Korea?

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has landed in North Korea, in his first official visit since 2019.

The trip comes as Beijing is trying to reassert sway over a strategically vital yet deeply unpredictable partner that has drawn closer to Russia.

The BBC's China correspondent Laura Bicker explains why this visit is likely to be less about friendship, and more about leverage.

2 hours ago

China

Xi Jinping

Kim Jong Un

North Korea

Schoolchildren run from collapsing roof as ground shakes in Philippines quake

Pupils could be heard screaming as the earthquake struck the city of Digos, but the school said nobody was injured in the incident.

Asia

'Extremely intelligent' bear on the run in Japan after injuring four people

Authorities said that a bear in north-east Japan has eluded capture by opening a window.

Asia

Watch: Guide stranded on Everest for six days rescued

The BBC's Rajini Vaidyanathan pieces together how events unfolded.

Asia

Watch: Man attacked by bear at steel works in Japan

The bear, which injured four people in the attack on Tuesday, remains on the loose within the factory compound.

Asia

'I could not see him one last time': A family's grief a year after Air India crash

There were 242 people on board the flight on 12 June 2025, and all but one died in the crash.

Asia

How did tattoo artists become legal in South Korea?

The BBC is in Seoul, where tattooist from all over the country have gathered to celebrate their art, following decades of underground work.

Asia

Watch: Moment rescuers find five people trapped in Laos cave

Rescuers in Laos have found five villagers alive inside a flooded cave after they were trapped for a week.

Asia

'Blistering heat': Indians warned to stay indoors as temperatures soar

The BBC's Sumedha Pal described how difficult it was to be standing in the streets of Delhi as temperatures rose to 45C .

Asia

Sacred hall housing 'eternal flame' in Japan destroyed by fire

The temple has moved the flame to a different location and authorities said the fire may have been caused by it, according to Japan Times.

Asia

Could a football match soften North Korea-South Korea relations?

A North Korean women's football team played in South Korea marking the first time athletes from the North have crossed the border in nearly 8 years.

Asia

Journalists scramble as gunshots sound in Philippine senate

Rounds of gunfire were heard but officials have not revealed who fired the shots.

Asia

The Kabul rehab centre hit by deadly Pakistani strike

Pakistan says it hit 'military and terrorist infrastructure' - but the UN and victims' families reject this claim.

Asia

Huge plumes of ash rise as Indonesia's Mount Dukono erupts

Officials said the group had been hiking up the active volcano despite a climbing ban.

Asia

Why is Japan rethinking its anti-war stance?

Japan's PM is pushing to revise country's pacifist constitution - and it's causing controversy.

Asia

Moment Indonesian river overflows from heavy rain

A glamping facility was destroyed by the raging torrent in Bogor, West Java on 4 May.

Asia

BBC reports from scene of fatal Indonesia train crash

At least 15 people have died after a train crashed into the female-only carriage of a commuter train in Bekasi.

Asia

Drone footage shows huge Malaysian coastal village fire

Thousands of people have been displaced after a fire destroyed around 1,000 homes in Malaysia's Sabah state.

Asia

Moment wolf on the run in South Korea is found

The escape of Neukgu, a two-year-old wolf, from a zoo in the city of Daejon captured national attention.

Asia

Bongbong Marcos fights ill-health rumours with star jumps

The Philippine President challenged anyone questioning his fitness to join him in the gym.

Asia

Celebrities and fans pay tributes to Asha Bhosle

Asha Bhosle died in Mumbai on Sunday after being admitted to the hospital following a heart attack.

Asia