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🇸🇬 Singapore /Elections & Politics

Xi says he is ready to work with Kim for ‘stable’ China-North Korea ties: KCNA

From The Straits Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed readiness to work with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to ensure long-term, stable development of bilateral ties.
  • Xi's message, sent on July 1, followed his June visit to Pyongyang, where both leaders pledged to deepen relations amid rising regional tensions.
  • The exchange highlights China's significant economic role, accounting for nearly 98% of North Korea's foreign trade in 2024, and underscores their shared socialist ideology.

Seoul – Chinese President Xi Jinping stated his willingness to collaborate with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to foster "long-term, sound and stable" development in their bilateral relationship, according to North Korea's state media.

This exchange follows Xi's significant visit to Pyongyang in June, during which both leaders committed to strengthening their ties amidst escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula and increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. Xi's message, dated July 1, was in response to a congratulatory note from Kim marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of China's Communist Party.

Xi acknowledged Kim's message as reflecting "deep and warm feelings" from the North Korean leader, the ruling Workers' Party, and the North Korean people towards China. He emphasized the shared Marxist ideology of both ruling parties and highlighted their historical solidarity in national independence and advancing socialism across generations.

I am ready to guide the relevant sectors and regions of both sides to the full implementation of the important common understanding achieved among us and lead China-DPRK relations to a long-term, sound and stable development.

— Xi JinpingXi Jinping expressed his commitment to developing China-North Korea relations during a message exchange with Kim Jong Un.

"I am ready to guide the relevant sectors and regions of both sides to the full implementation of the important common understanding achieved among us and lead China-DPRK relations to a long-term, sound and stable development," Xi stated, referencing the North's official name. He also conveyed his appreciation for the "enthusiastic and friendly" hospitality received during his recent state visit to Pyongyang.

Kim had described the summit as a "historic occasion" and affirmed North Korea's commitment to strengthening ties with Beijing. The communication occurs as North Korea has deepened security partnerships with Russia, reportedly supplying troops and munitions for Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. China remains North Korea's primary economic partner, representing approximately 98% of its foreign trade in 2024.

The Communist Party of China and the Workers’ Party of Korea are the Marxist ruling parties.

— Xi JinpingXi Jinping highlighted the shared ideology between China and North Korea.
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Originally published by The Straits Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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