Xi Jinping to Kim Jong Un: China-North Korea Relations Remain Unchanged

Beijing (ANTARA) - Chinese President Xi Jinping, during a meeting with North Korean leader and General Secretary of the Workers’ Party Kim Jong Un, emphasised that the relationship between China and North Korea will remain unchanged and continue to be strong.

“Regardless of how the international situation changes, the firm position of the Chinese Party and government, which highly values the traditional China-North Korea friendship, will not change; our firm support for Comrade Kim Jong Un in leading the development of North Korean socialism will not change,” Xi stated in Pyongyang on Monday (8/6), as quoted from an official statement by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Xi made these remarks during a bilateral meeting at the Kumsusan Guesthouse in Pyongyang. This visit marks the first such meeting in seven years.

“Both China and North Korea are socialist countries led by communist parties. The traditional China-North Korea friendship is rooted in shared ideals, beliefs, and goals of struggle, possessing a deep history, a solid political foundation, and strong emotional ties,” Xi added.

According to Xi, the strong determination to safeguard the mutual interests of both parties and maintain a positive strategic environment remains steadfast. He noted that amidst the significant global changes of the past century, both nations must look ahead, continue their historical struggles, and seize opportunities within the great currents of human historical development to open better prospects for socialist development and regional peace.

Xi outlined four key perspectives for developing China-North Korea relations:

First, adhering to high-level leadership interactions as a guide to strengthening the foundation of political mutual trust. “The strategic guidance of the supreme leaders is the greatest advantage of China-North and North Korea relations. I am willing to maintain close strategic communication with the General Secretary to guide our relations to even higher levels,” Xi Jinping added.

Second, adhering to the goal of people’s well-being to increase practical cooperation. “China is willing to strengthen the alignment of development strategies with North Korea, expanding practical cooperation in economy, trade, agriculture, construction, science and technology, medical health, and others, to better benefit the people of both nations.”

Third, adhering to friendship as a driver to strengthen people-to-people ties. Xi expressed China’s willingness to jointly manage memorial facilities for the martyrs of the Chinese People’s Volunteers in North Korea and to promote educational and cultural exchanges, including tourism, sports, and media, to root the friendship deeper within the hearts of the people.

Fourth, adhering to the concepts of justice and truth to enrich the meaning of strategic cooperation. Xi proposed the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind and the four global initiatives to promote a more just and rational global governance.

In response, Kim Jong Un stated that President Xi Jinping’s visit to North Korea after seven years made him the most honoured guest, and that North Korea extended its warmest welcome. Kim noted that Xi’s first foreign visit of the year directly to Pyongyang reflects a profound friendship and provides a significant boost to North Korea.

Kim Jong Un asserted that the China-North Korea relationship, tested by time and standing on the side of history through independence and justice, remains unshakable. He added that the uniqueness of the relationship lies not only in their shared border but in their deep traditional friendship and shared ideals passed down through generations.

Kim Jong Un stated that various North Korean departments would work alongside their Chinese comrades to promote exchanges and cooperation in trade, infrastructure, science, technology, and socio-cultural sectors. “North Korea will consistently and firmly adhere to the ‘One China’ principle and firmly support China’s policies and positions in safeguarding its core interests. We will, as before, treat the development of China-North Korea relations as a most important national strategic priority,” Kim emphasised.

Accompanying Xi Jinping were Cai Qi, Secretary of the Communist Party of China Secretariat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and other high-ranking officials.