After Xi-Kim Summit, Xinhua: China-North Korea Relations at a New Historical Starting Point

(Central News Agency reporter Liao Wenqi, Shanghai, 9th) Chinese President Xi Jinping visited North Korea on the 8th and held talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Chinese state media Xinhua published a commentary on the 9th titled "Carry Forward and Develop the Traditional China-North Korea Friendship." The article states that China and North Korea are socialist friendly neighbors that help each other and share a common destiny. It says that no matter how times change or how the international situation evolves, the traditional China-North Korea friendship remains unbreakable and enduring. The article notes that Xi pointed out that "top-level strategic guidance is the greatest strength of China-North Korea relations, the common ideal of socialism is the distinctive foundation of China-North Korea relations, the traditional friendship of a shared destiny is the deep-rooted foundation of China-North Korea relations, and high-level strategic coordination is the contemporary essence of China-North Korea relations." These four insights provide important guidance for carrying forward the traditional China-North Korea friendship. The article states that facing the accelerating changes unseen in a century and the complex international situation, both China and North Korea are focusing on their own affairs and forging ahead on the socialist path. "Currently, China-North Korea relations stand at a new historical starting point, facing new development opportunities and bearing new missions of the era." To further develop bilateral relations, the article calls for deepening strategic communication, strengthening exchanges between party, government, and military departments at all levels; enhancing the alignment of development strategies and tapping into cooperation potential in various fields; strengthening multilateral coordination to firmly safeguard international fairness and justice; and enhancing strategic communication and coordination to jointly uphold the international system centered on the United Nations and the international order based on international law, "opposing hegemonism and power politics, and opposing all plots and actions that revive militarism and endanger regional security and stability." This is Xi's first visit to North Korea in seven years. During his meeting with Kim on the 8th, Xi said the two countries should "strengthen strategic coordination and cooperation," firmly safeguard each other's sovereignty, security, and development interests, and jointly maintain regional peace and development. Regarding the internationally-watched issue of "denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," it was not mentioned in the Chinese side's post-meeting press release. (Editor: Zhou Huiying) 1150609