Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to emphasize the importance of enhancing visits and contacts at various levels between the two nations. This initiative aims at the "multi-faceted" development of bilateral ties, as reported by Pyongyang's state media.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the meeting occurred on Friday, marking the conclusion of Wang's two-day visit to Pyongyang. This visit was Wang's first to North Korea since 2019. It follows a summit held last September between Kim and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where they discussed ways to deepen the relationship between the two countries amid North Korea's alignment with Russia on military and diplomatic fronts.
During his discussions with Wang, Kim stressed the necessity of intensifying visits and contacts at different levels to enhance mutual support and cooperation. This approach is aimed at protecting common interests and ensuring the sustained development of bilateral relations in light of the current international geopolitical environment and the long-term strategic interests of both nations, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
While North Korean state media did not specify, Kim's comments seemingly reference the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, which began in late February. In response, Wang expressed China's readiness to nurture friendly relations with North Korea, describing the bilateral relationship as entering a "new phase of development" following the previous year's summit between Xi and Kim.
Kim further assured North Korea's full support for China's policies aimed at achieving territorial integrity, rooted in the 'one-China' principle, and establishing a fair and just multi-polar world. This statement appears to refer to China's territorial claims over Taiwan.
China's foreign ministry noted that Kim reaffirmed his dedication to enhancing high-level exchanges and strategic communication with China during his meeting with Wang. Kim also voiced his support for Xi's vision of building a community for a shared future and China's territorial claims to Taiwan.
Wang's visit to Pyongyang included a one-on-one meeting with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, preceding U.S. President Donald Trump's upcoming trip to China in mid-May for discussions with Xi. There is speculation that Trump might seek a meeting with Kim during his visit to China, as he has shown interest in reengaging with the North Korean leader.