Chinese President Xi Jinping met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on June 8, emphasizing the need to strengthen strategic cooperation between the two countries amid complex international circumstances.
According to China Central Television (CCTV), during their meeting at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang, Xi stated, "No matter how the international situation changes, China's position on valuing traditional friendship with North Korea remains unchanged." He expressed unwavering support for Kim's leadership of North Korea's socialist endeavors and reaffirmed a commitment to safeguarding the mutual interests and favorable strategic environment of both nations.
Xi highlighted the importance of enhancing political mutual trust through high-level exchanges as a foundation for developing North Korea-China relations. He called for expanded cooperation in diplomacy, law enforcement, and military affairs.
He also urged the two countries to broaden practical cooperation in trade, agriculture, construction, science and technology, and health, while promoting people-to-people exchanges in education, arts, tourism, and sports.
Reiterating the need to strengthen strategic cooperation, Xi remarked, "Asia is the home of China, North Korea, and other regional countries. The two nations should enhance strategic coordination and cooperation to protect the sovereignty, security, and developmental interests of each country and maintain regional peace and development together."
In response, Kim Jong Un noted, "President Xi's choice of Pyongyang as his first overseas destination this year demonstrates the importance placed on North Korea-China relations, which is a great source of strength for us." He emphasized that he views the development of North Korea-China relations as the country's most significant strategic priority and reaffirmed that advancing the friendship between the two nations in this new era is a firm strategic choice and will. He also mentioned plans to further develop exchanges and cooperation across a wide range of fields, including trade, infrastructure, science and technology, education, and culture.
Notably, the Chinese announcement did not directly mention North Korea's nuclear program or the Korean Peninsula. However, the reference to maintaining regional peace and stability suggests discussions on these topics likely occurred. Analysts speculate that as North Korea has recently expanded military and economic cooperation with Russia, Xi's focus may have been on reaffirming China's influence over North Korea through economic and political support rather than addressing the nuclear issue directly.
The meeting included several high-ranking Chinese officials, such as Cai Qi, head of the Central Committee General Office, Wang Yi, a member of the Central Political Bureau and Foreign Minister, Zheng Shanjie, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, Defense Minister Li Shangfu, and Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, all of whom expressed a commitment to enhancing cooperation in various sectors, including diplomacy, military, and economy.
Kim warmly welcomed Xi, who visited North Korea for the first time in seven years. Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, arrived in Pyongyang around noon, beginning a two-day state visit marked by Kim's hospitality. Kim and his wife, Ri Sol-ju, personally greeted the Xi couple at the airport, and a large welcome ceremony was held at Kim Il Sung Square. Following their summit, the two leaders are expected to attend an official welcome banquet and a performance.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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