Kim Jong Un and Xi Jinping Cement 'Lethal Duet' to Shake the World
North Korea and China have affirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and mutually supporting each other’s strategic interests. The agreement was reached during a meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Pyongyang.
According to a report by North Korean state media KCNA, Kim stressed that reinforcing ties with Beijing is the top priority of Pyongyang’s foreign policy. He stated that North Korea will strive to make the relationship a strong and sustainable example of cooperation between socialist states. “Strengthening relations with China is the most important primary strategic task for our country,” Kim was quoted as saying by KCNA. He added that Pyongyang will make “every effort” to build a special, sincere, and solid strategic relationship with Beijing.
During the talks, Kim and Xi agreed to place the friendship between the two countries on a stronger foundation. Both also committed to expanding cooperation in the political, economic, and cultural fields, as well as increasing coordination in safeguarding their respective national sovereignty and security.
Xi affirmed China’s support for North Korea amid evolving global dynamics. According to KCNA, Xi stated that Beijing is ready to “defend the common interests of both parties and a favourable strategic environment, whatever changes occur in the international situation.”
This meeting marks Xi’s first visit to Pyongyang in seven years. The visit comes as both countries seek to re-strengthen their traditional relationship, which has been perceived as less warm in recent years, particularly amidst North Korea’s growing closeness with Russia. Kim assessed that Xi’s decision to make Pyongyang his first foreign destination this year demonstrates Beijing’s high regard for bilateral relations. “Your visit to Pyongyang as your first overseas trip this year is an expression of your top priority on North Korea-China friendship,” Kim said.
According to KCNA, both leaders also agreed to enhance communication through regular high-level visits and to expand exchanges in the political, economic, and cultural sectors. The meeting was said to have brought relations between the two countries to a “new strategic level.”
Xi’s visit also coincides with the 65th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance between North Korea and China, which has long served as the foundation of their alliance.
However, neither North Korean nor Chinese state media reports touched on Pyongyang’s nuclear programme or the security situation on the Korean Peninsula. This contrasts with Xi’s 2019 visit to Pyongyang, when Beijing still openly stressed the importance of denuclearising the region. Meanwhile, Chinese state media previously reported that Xi also encouraged strengthening cooperation with North Korea in the fields of diplomacy, law enforcement, and military affairs.