North Korea, China Elevate Ties to Strategic Level, Agree on Expanded Cooperation

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Pyongyang for a summit, agreeing to elevate their nations' relationship to a strategic level and boost cooperation across various sectors. The meeting, held at the Kumsusan State Guesthouse, was reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on June 9.

Kim Jong Un stated that the Workers' Party of Korea and the North Korean government would continue to prioritize the friendship between the two countries, aiming to develop their relationship into a special, genuine, and solid strategic partnership that serves as a model for socialist nations. He also expressed full support for China's policies and stance on the "One China" principle, particularly regarding Taiwan, a stance not highlighted in North Korean media during a previous summit in Beijing.

According to KCNA, both leaders agreed to enhance strategic communication through high-level exchanges and expand practical cooperation in politics, economy, and culture, marking a new chapter in their bilateral relations. They also plan to hold commemorative events for the 65th anniversary of the North Korea-China Friendship Treaty on July 11.

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The Workers' Party of Korea and the government of the DPRK will continue to uphold the China-Korea friendship as the most important No. 1 strategic task and make all efforts to develop the relations between the two countries into a model for relations between socialist countries, a special, genuine and unchangeable strategic relationship.

The summit also included discussions on international and regional issues. Both sides agreed to strengthen strategic coordination amidst a complex global political landscape, aiming to jointly safeguard their sovereignty, security, and development interests, as well as regional and global peace. The KCNA reported that "satisfactory consensus" was reached on these matters, though specific details on denuclearization were not mentioned, mirroring reports from China's Xinhua News Agency.

KCNA described the summit as a historic occasion that clearly demonstrated the immutable nature of North Korea-China friendship and set a new milestone for the development of strategic cooperation between the two parties and countries.

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Whatever the circumstances, our party and government will fully support and endorse the policies and position of the Chinese party and government to defend the core interests based on the 'One China' principle.