North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reaffirmed his country’s strong support for China during a meeting with President Xi Jinping in Beijing, North Korean state media reported on Friday. Kim said North Korea would continue to stand by China in safeguarding its sovereignty, territory, and development interests, stressing that “no matter how the international situation changes, the feeling of friendship cannot change” between the two nations.
Xi described China and North Korea as “good neighbours, good friends and good comrades” with a shared destiny. Both leaders discussed boosting strategic cooperation, defending mutual interests in international and regional affairs, and increasing visits and communication among senior officials from the two countries.
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Kim’s trip, which concluded on Thursday, was described by North Korean media as a “historic occasion” that deepened political trust and showed the “invincibility” of DPRK-China ties. Senior Chinese officials, including top Communist Party leader Cai Qi and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, attended Kim’s departure ceremony in Beijing.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message to Kim on North Korea’s foundation day, praising the “heroic involvement” of North Korean forces in supporting Russia’s defense of Kursk. Putin said he was confident the partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang would continue to grow.
North Korea has already provided artillery, missiles, and soldiers to Russia as part of its support in the Ukraine war. Earlier this week, Kim assured Putin in Beijing that North Korea would “fully support” Russian forces as a “fraternal duty.”
The latest round of meetings highlights the strengthening triangle of ties between North Korea, China, and Russia, as all three nations deepen cooperation amid rising tensions with the United States and its allies.
