Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un emphasized deepening ties with China as his country's top policy priority during summit talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to a report. The meeting took place in Pyongyang, marking Xi's first state visit to North Korea in nearly seven years.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the talks underscored the importance of the relationship between North Korea and China. Kim Jong-un described the development of mutual ties as the "most important strategic priority" for North Korea, highlighting the partnership as "the people's choice and the calling of the times," as quoted by China's Xinhua News Agency. He reaffirmed Pyongyang's support for Beijing's "One China" principle and committed to supporting China's core interests amid global changes.
Kim expressed a desire to create an exemplary relationship with China that contributes to regional and global peace and prosperity. In response, Xi Jinping affirmed China's commitment to protecting North Korea's interests and expanding cooperation in various domains, including the economy, trade, military, science, and healthcare. Xi emphasized the importance of maintaining high-level exchanges and building on political mutual trust.
Xi called for increased coordination in diplomacy, law enforcement, and the military, urging both countries to defend each other's sovereignty and development interests. He expressed China's readiness to work with North Korea to advance their bilateral relationship strategically.
Notably, Xi refrained from mentioning the Korean Peninsula or denuclearization during the summit, a departure from his 2019 visit when he supported denuclearization following Kim's unsuccessful summit with U.S. President Donald Trump. The focus remained on solidifying the bond between Beijing and Pyongyang.