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China-North Korea friendship 'will last forever,' says Xi in North Korean media
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Conflict & Security

China-North Korea friendship 'will last forever,' says Xi in North Korean media

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Chinese President Xi Jinping affirmed the enduring alliance between China and North Korea.
  • Xi called for strengthened coordination against "hegemonism" and "power politics" in an article for North Korea's Rodong Sinmun.
  • The visit marks Xi's first trip to North Korea in seven years and occurs during the 65th anniversary of a mutual friendship treaty.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the enduring nature of the alliance between China and North Korea, urging both nations to bolster their coordination against "hegemonism" and "power politics." His remarks were published in North Korea's state newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, ahead of his visit to Pyongyang – the first by a Chinese leader in seven years.

the traditional friendship between the two countries "will last forever"

— Xi JinpingIn an article published in North Korea's Rodong Sinmun ahead of his visit.

The article, also disseminated by China's state news agency Xinhua, coincides with the 65th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance between the two countries. Xi described the bilateral relationship as being at a "new historical starting point" and expressed Beijing's desire to "promote the development" of ties with Pyongyang. This comes after a period where relations had cooled due to North Korea's nuclear tests, and amid China's efforts to maintain its influence as North Korea draws closer to Russia.

Xi stated that the "traditional friendship" between the two nations "will last forever." He recalled meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un six times in recent years. The Chinese president also advocated for both countries to uphold the international system centered on the United Nations and the order based on international law, while opposing "hegemonism" and "power politics." He further condemned any attempts to "revive militarism," echoing recent statements by Chinese authorities regarding Japan.

hegemonism

— Xi JinpingIn an article published in North Korea's Rodong Sinmun ahead of his visit, calling for coordination against it.

The article notably omits any mention of North Korea's denuclearization, an issue Pyongyang recently reiterated is "irreversible." Xi's visit follows a surge in contacts between Beijing and Pyongyang, including a meeting between Xi and Kim in Beijing in September 2025, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to North Korea in April, and the resumption of passenger rail and air services between the two countries in March after a six-year suspension.

power politics

— Xi JinpingIn an article published in North Korea's Rodong Sinmun ahead of his visit, calling for coordination against it.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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