Xi Jinping Visits North Korea, Declares Friendship 'Unbreakable'

Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping began a two-day state visit to North Korea on June 8, marking his first trip to the country in seven years. In a signed article published in the North Korean state newspaper Rodong Sinmun, Xi declared that the traditional friendship between China and North Korea is "unbreakable" regardless of international changes.

Xi highlighted that this year marks the 65th anniversary of the Sino-North Korean Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance. He expressed anticipation for discussions with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on strengthening their traditional friendship and planning future bilateral relations. Xi stated that the bond between the two nations remains unbreakable and vibrant through the ages, urging high-level exchanges to continue "like relatives visiting each other often."

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Regardless of how the times change and the international situation changes, the traditional friendship between China and North Korea has always been unbreakable and has stood the test of time, continuously radiating vigorous vitality.

The Chinese leader also called for enhanced strategic communication and coordination to oppose hegemony and power politics, as well as any attempts to revive militarism or threaten regional stability. He reaffirmed that maintaining and developing Sino-North Korean relations is a steadfast policy of the Chinese Party and government. Xi views the current moment as a new historical starting point with development opportunities, expressing China's willingness to elevate relations with North Korea from a strategic perspective.

This visit follows a meeting between Xi and Kim in September, marking nine months since their last encounter. While specific itineraries remain undisclosed, Yonhap News Agency anticipates potential talks on June 8, followed by visits to the Sino-Korean Friendship Tower and a luncheon with Kim on June 9 before Xi's departure. Speculation also suggests Xi might visit the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where the bodies of late North Korean leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il are preserved.

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Like relatives visiting each other often.