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🇳🇵 Nepal /Elections & Politics

Xi vows unwavering support for North Korea's Kim in rare Pyongyang visit

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed unwavering support for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a rare visit to Pyongyang.
  • Xi emphasized strengthening strategic ties and protecting mutual interests, signaling closer alignment between the two nations.
  • The summit, Xi's first in seven years to North Korea, occurs as Pyongyang's ties with Russia potentially boost Kim's confidence.

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Pyongyang for a rare two-day visit, reaffirming Beijing's steadfast commitment to North Korea and its leader, Kim Jong Un. Xi declared that China's support for North Korea's socialist cause and its determination to safeguard common interests would not change, regardless of the international landscape.

China will not swerve from its commitment to safeguarding common interests with North Korea or waver in its support for Kim Jong Un.

— Xi JinpingDuring a rare summit in Pyongyang, reaffirming support for North Korea.

The summit, Xi's first to the reclusive neighbor in seven years, comes as North Korea's economy shows signs of strengthening through increased trade and military cooperation with Russia. This burgeoning relationship could bolster Kim's confidence in future negotiations. Xi's arrival was met with a grand reception, including a red-carpet welcome, a guard of honor, and children presenting flowers, as captured by Chinese state media.

The neighbours should strengthen strategic ties and firmly protect their sovereignty, security, and development interests.

— Xi JinpingAs stated in an official Chinese summary of the meeting, urging closer alignment.

During the talks, Xi stressed the importance of strengthening ties across various sectors, including diplomacy, law enforcement, the military, agriculture, trade, technology, and construction. He also called for opposition to "hegemony, authoritarianism and all attempts and conspiracies to revive militarism that endanger regional security and stability." Analysts suggest Beijing views Pyongyang as a strategic asset in its broader goal of countering U.S. influence and straining its alliances.

I am deeply pleased and also feel a special sense of closeness.

— Xi JinpingUpon arriving in Pyongyang for his first international trip of the year.

Both leaders agreed that their relationship was at a "new historical starting point." Xi also pledged to collaborate with North Korea on promoting fair multilateralism and inclusive economic globalization, aiming for long-term regional peace and stability. The visit underscores the enduring, albeit evolving, traditional friendship between the two nations.

The firm support for Comrade General Secretary Kim Jong Un’s leadership of the DPRK socialist cause will not change, and the firm determination to safeguard common interests and good strategic environment ... will not change.

— Xi JinpingReaffirming China's commitment regardless of international changes.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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