North Korea and China: North Korea wants to deepen cooperation with China
Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to deepen cooperation across politics, economy, culture, science, and military affairs.
- Xi Jinping made his first visit to Pyongyang since 2019, pledging China's support regardless of international changes.
- Kim Jong Un expressed full support for China's claim over Taiwan, endorsing the One-China principle.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a new era of cooperation, signaling a deepening of ties across multiple sectors. The agreement came during Xi's state visit to Pyongyang, his first since 2019.
The leaders committed to intensifying collaboration in politics, economy, culture, science, and the military, according to North Korea's state news agency KCNA. Xi Jinping assured Kim Jong Un of China's unwavering support, stating it would remain steadfast regardless of shifts in the international landscape. China is North Korea's primary economic and diplomatic partner, providing crucial support to the isolated nation.
The Chinese leader assured Kim of his country's support, "no matter how the international situation changes."
In a reciprocal gesture, Kim Jong Un voiced strong backing for China's claim over Taiwan. He affirmed his complete support for the One-China principle, which asserts that there is only one sovereign state under the name "China," and that the People's Republic of China is its sole legitimate representative. This principle requires states to forgo formal relations with Taiwan to establish diplomatic ties with Beijing.
The visit underscores the strategic importance of the Sino-North Korean relationship amidst evolving regional and global dynamics. The joint commitment to enhanced cooperation and mutual political support highlights a unified front on key issues.
The so-called One-China principle has my full support.
Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.