Kim Jong Un, the Chairman of North Korea's State Affairs, visited Dandong in Liaoning Province, China, ahead of the 6.25 War anniversary, emphasizing the blood alliance and friendship between North Korea and China. Notably, Kim did not hold a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping during this trip, completing his visit in one day.
According to the Korean Central News Agency, Kim visited Dandong on October 24 to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army's participation in the Korean War and toured the Anti-American Aid Memorial Hall.
China designates October 25, the date it claims marks its military's first victory in the Korean War, as "Anti-American Aid Day," which signifies support for North Korea against the United States.
Kim was welcomed by Wang Huning, Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, who ranks fourth in the Chinese power hierarchy. Other attendees included Wang Yi, head of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission and Foreign Minister, Liu Haixing, head of the International Liaison Department, and Xu Kunlin, Secretary of the Liaoning Provincial Party Committee.
Accompanying Kim were Jo Yong-won, Secretary of the Workers' Party, Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, Party Secretaries Ri Il-hwan and Kim Song-nam, First Deputy Prime Minister Kim Tok-hun, Party Department Head Kim Yo-jong, and Deputy Party Director Kim Jae-ryong.
During the visit, Kim laid a wreath at the Anti-American Aid Memorial while the national anthems of both countries played, honoring the fallen Chinese soldiers. The wreath bore the inscription, "We will forever remember the martyrs of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army," along with Kim's title and name.
Kim stated, "Our people will forever remember the glorious alliance we fought alongside the Chinese people," adding, "We will pass down our eternal gratitude to the Chinese people who helped our revolution with their blood." He also remarked that the memorial is a "noble testament to the indestructible friendship between China and North Korea," emphasizing the importance of remembering their shared history of overcoming trials together.
As a gift to the memorial, Kim presented a plaque featuring a photo of Kim Il-sung, inscribed with a handwritten message expressing "eternal gratitude and respect" for the Chinese People's Volunteer Army.
In discussions with Wang, Kim expressed gratitude to Xi and requested that Wang convey his greetings and best wishes. He affirmed that North Korea would not forget the history of the Chinese people aiding their revolution with blood. Kim also praised China's international standing, attributing it to the efforts of the Communist Party of China under Xi Jinping's leadership. Wang responded by conveying Xi's greetings and noted that Kim's visit to the memorial holds significant meaning for developing traditional friendship and camaraderie between the two nations.
Xi sent greetings to Kim through Wang and arranged a banquet to welcome Kim's visit as a special directive.
Following the memorial visit, Kim toured a bus factory in Dandong, inspecting production facilities and encouraging workers. He then returned to North Korea via the newly opened Xin'an River Bridge, which officially opened on October 15.
The Xin'an River Bridge, connecting Dandong and Sinuiju in North Pyongan Province, features four lanes and spans a total length of 3,026 meters. This marks the first time Kim has publicly visited the site since its opening.
At the midpoint of the bridge, Kim remarked, "This bridge will fulfill its historic mission of connecting our two countries and strengthening our bonds." Wang and other Chinese officials accompanied Kim to the midpoint to see him off.
This visit marks Kim's sixth trip to China since taking office and is his first return since attending the Victory Day celebrations in Beijing in September of last year. Notably, it is the first time Kim has returned from China without meeting Xi Jinping.
According to the Korean Central News Agency, Kim visited Dandong on October 24 to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army's participation in the Korean War and toured the Anti-American Aid Memorial Hall.
China designates October 25, the date it claims marks its military's first victory in the Korean War, as "Anti-American Aid Day," which signifies support for North Korea against the United States.
Kim was welcomed by Wang Huning, Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, who ranks fourth in the Chinese power hierarchy. Other attendees included Wang Yi, head of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission and Foreign Minister, Liu Haixing, head of the International Liaison Department, and Xu Kunlin, Secretary of the Liaoning Provincial Party Committee.
Accompanying Kim were Jo Yong-won, Secretary of the Workers' Party, Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, Party Secretaries Ri Il-hwan and Kim Song-nam, First Deputy Prime Minister Kim Tok-hun, Party Department Head Kim Yo-jong, and Deputy Party Director Kim Jae-ryong.
During the visit, Kim laid a wreath at the Anti-American Aid Memorial while the national anthems of both countries played, honoring the fallen Chinese soldiers. The wreath bore the inscription, "We will forever remember the martyrs of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army," along with Kim's title and name.
Kim stated, "Our people will forever remember the glorious alliance we fought alongside the Chinese people," adding, "We will pass down our eternal gratitude to the Chinese people who helped our revolution with their blood." He also remarked that the memorial is a "noble testament to the indestructible friendship between China and North Korea," emphasizing the importance of remembering their shared history of overcoming trials together.
As a gift to the memorial, Kim presented a plaque featuring a photo of Kim Il-sung, inscribed with a handwritten message expressing "eternal gratitude and respect" for the Chinese People's Volunteer Army.
In discussions with Wang, Kim expressed gratitude to Xi and requested that Wang convey his greetings and best wishes. He affirmed that North Korea would not forget the history of the Chinese people aiding their revolution with blood. Kim also praised China's international standing, attributing it to the efforts of the Communist Party of China under Xi Jinping's leadership. Wang responded by conveying Xi's greetings and noted that Kim's visit to the memorial holds significant meaning for developing traditional friendship and camaraderie between the two nations.
Xi sent greetings to Kim through Wang and arranged a banquet to welcome Kim's visit as a special directive.
Following the memorial visit, Kim toured a bus factory in Dandong, inspecting production facilities and encouraging workers. He then returned to North Korea via the newly opened Xin'an River Bridge, which officially opened on October 15.
The Xin'an River Bridge, connecting Dandong and Sinuiju in North Pyongan Province, features four lanes and spans a total length of 3,026 meters. This marks the first time Kim has publicly visited the site since its opening.
At the midpoint of the bridge, Kim remarked, "This bridge will fulfill its historic mission of connecting our two countries and strengthening our bonds." Wang and other Chinese officials accompanied Kim to the midpoint to see him off.
This visit marks Kim's sixth trip to China since taking office and is his first return since attending the Victory Day celebrations in Beijing in September of last year. Notably, it is the first time Kim has returned from China without meeting Xi Jinping.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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