North Korea’s Leader Pledges Stronger China Ties

(MENAFN) In a high-level meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening relations between North Korea and China. The summit, which took place in Beijing, was reported on Friday by local media.

Kim affirmed that it is the firm commitment of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and the North Korean government to continually strengthen ties between North Korea and China. He also reiterated North Korea's steadfast backing of China's efforts to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and developmental interests.

Kim further stated that North Korea will continue to support China's position and efforts to safeguard its national interests without change. He also praised China's strong resolve to uphold global peace and emphasized the country’s clear demonstration of its significant international standing and influence during the meeting.

In response, Xi expressed his readiness to "successfully defend, consolidate, and develop the China-DPRK relations." According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Xi underscored that Beijing "attaches great importance" to its "friendship" with North Korea.

Xi assured that, regardless of changes in the international landscape, China's stance would remain constant, reaffirming his commitment to supporting Pyongyang’s development in accordance with its unique national conditions.

This summit represents the sixth bilateral meeting between Kim and Xi since 2018. The two leaders focused on enhancing future cooperation and agreed to further strengthen high-level visits and strategic communication between their countries.

This meeting follows closely on the heels of China's largest-ever military parade on Wednesday, which was attended by 26 foreign leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kim, to commemorate Japan’s surrender at the close of World War II in 1945.

As North Korea's relationship with Russia deepens, Kim had earlier met with Putin in Beijing on Wednesday for their fourth summit, during which Kim voiced his "full support" for Russia's ongoing war with Ukraine.

Kim wrapped up his visit to China on Friday, returning to North Korea after arriving in Beijing earlier this week on Tuesday.

MENAFN06092025000045017169ID1110024606