Kim Jong Un, the Chairman of North Korea's State Affairs Commission, visited Dandong in China's Liaoning province on October 24, where he commemorated Chinese soldiers who fought in the Korean War alongside Wang Huning, a senior member of the Chinese Communist Party and Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.
According to China's Xinhua News Agency, Wang welcomed Kim at the Anti-American Aid Korea Memorial Hall in Dandong, where they participated in a flower-laying ceremony. The term 'Anti-American Aid Korea' refers to China's involvement in the Korean War. During the event, the national anthems of both China and North Korea were played, and Kim observed a moment of silence in honor of the fallen Chinese soldiers. He also visited the memorial hall to examine artifacts and documents showcasing the battles fought by the Chinese military and the joint operations between the two countries. A historical photograph with a handwritten message was presented to the memorial, and a ribbon on the flower basket read, 'Let us forever remember the martyrs of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army.'
Kim requested Wang to convey his regards and best wishes to Chinese President Xi Jinping and expressed hopes for the successful convening of the fifth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. He stated, 'I visited Dandong to express deep gratitude and eternal respect for the Chinese soldiers who supported North Korea with their lives and blood during a crucial historical period.' Kim also described Xi's visit to North Korea in June as a historic event that demonstrated China's high interest in North Korea and marked a milestone in the development of bilateral relations.
Kim noted that this year marks the 65th anniversary of the North Korea-China Friendship and Mutual Assistance Treaty, expressing gratitude for China's long-standing support for North Korea's socialist construction and emphasizing the bright prospects for cooperation between the two nations. He highlighted the importance of inheriting historical ties with China and expanding practical cooperation to enhance the welfare of both peoples.
During their meeting, Wang conveyed Xi's regards and best wishes to Kim. He remarked that Kim's visit to Dandong on the 76th anniversary of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army's participation in the Korean War demonstrates the value both countries place on their blood ties. Wang emphasized the significance of inheriting traditional friendship, strengthening political trust, and seeking cooperative development.
Wang stated, 'Through historic mutual visits by President Xi and Chairman Kim in September last year and June this year, we have achieved a series of major agreements that have ushered North Korea-China relations into a new historical era.' He added that China and North Korea are advancing their shared socialist cause and should expand people-to-people exchanges and economic cooperation, particularly with the opening of the new bridge over the Yalu River, to provide greater benefits to their citizens. Wang also called for strengthening strategic communication and cooperation to create a peaceful and stable external environment that safeguards each country's sovereignty, security, and development interests.
In the afternoon, Kim visited an auto factory in Dandong with Wang, where he toured the production site and received explanations from officials. As Kim departed Dandong, Wang accompanied him to the new Yalu River Bridge. Wang Yi, a member of the Central Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China and Foreign Minister, also attended the related events.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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