Xi and Kim reaffirm 'shoulder-to-shoulder' cooperation and an 'unbreakable' friendship

Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un have jointly underscored the robust and enduring nature of their bilateral relationship, coinciding with the 65th anniversary of their Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance. The exchange of messages emphasized a deep-seated alliance, rooted in historical solidarity and mutual support.

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Regardless of how the international situation changes, the position of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese government of attaching high importance to the traditional friendship with North Korea will not vary.

President Xi Jinping highlighted the significance of the 1961 treaty, stating it laid a crucial political and legal foundation for the "blood-sealed" friendship between their peoples, a reference to China's substantial military support during the Korean War. He noted that over the past 65 years, both nations have consistently upheld the treaty's spirit, supporting each other and cooperating "shoulder to shoulder." Xi also recalled his state visit to North Korea in June, during which he and Kim reached important consensuses, and reiterated China's unwavering commitment to their traditional friendship, regardless of international shifts.

Kim Jong-un, in turn, affirmed that the treaty established a solid legal basis for the ongoing development of their "combat friendship" and cooperation, forged through shared struggles for "anti-imperialist independence, peace, and the socialist cause." He characterized the friendship between North Korea and China as "unbreakable," having withstood historical changes. Kim further stated that the bilateral ties are ascending to a new strategic level within the current complex global landscape.

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The friendship between North Korea and China has withstood historical changes and can be described as an unbreakable relationship.

This exchange follows North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song's visit to Beijing for the treaty's anniversary commemorations. The renewed high-level contact occurs after Xi's state visit to Pyongyang and amidst deepening ties between North Korea and Russia, while Beijing seeks to solidify its influence over its neighbor. China remains North Korea's primary economic and political partner, sharing a long border and playing a vital role in trade and essential supplies.

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I am willing to further strengthen strategic communication with Kim.