Xi vows to strengthen China-North Korea ties, oppose hegemony ahead of visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping declared an "unshakeable policy" to strengthen ties with North Korea and jointly oppose "hegemony, authoritarian principles and all attempts and conspiracies to revive militarism." His remarks were published Monday in the state-run North Korean newspaper Rodong Sinmun, ahead of his two-day visit to Pyongyang, his first in seven years.

Xi stated that the two neighbors will enhance "exchanges" in all areas to protect what he termed a fair and just global order. The term "hegemony" typically refers to a superpower dominating the world.

This visit comes as China has reportedly worked to strengthen its relationship with North Korea, particularly after Pyongyang developed closer ties with Russia. In September, Xi invited both Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin to a military parade in Beijing. Following that event, North Korea reopened several border crossings with China.

China serves as a crucial source of diplomatic and political support for North Korea, one of the world's most isolated nations, which is subject to extensive international sanctions. Xi's previous visit to North Korea in 2019 marked the first time a Chinese leader had visited the country since 2005.

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We must oppose hegemony, authoritarian principles and all attempts and conspiracies to revive militarism, which endanger regional security and stability.