China’s President Xi Jinping expressed his readiness to collaborate with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to promote a “long-term, sound and stable” development of their bilateral relationship, as reported by Pyongyang’s state media on Sunday. This communication follows Xi’s uncommon visit to North Korea last month, during which both leaders committed to strengthening ties amid rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula and North Korea’s increasing military cooperation with Russia.
In a message dated July 1, Xi expressed gratitude to Kim for his congratulatory note regarding the 105th anniversary of the founding of China’s Communist Party, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
Xi characterized Kim’s message as reflective of the “deep and warm feelings” held by the North Korean leader, the ruling Workers’ Party, and the North Korean populace toward China. He noted that the Communist Party of China and the Workers’ Party of Korea are both Marxist ruling parties that have historically supported national independence and the socialist cause. Xi mentioned his commitment to guide the relevant sectors and regions of both countries in fully implementing their mutual understandings, aiming to lead China-North Korea relations toward sustained and stable development.
In his message, Xi also thanked Kim for the “enthusiastic and friendly” hospitality extended during his recent state visit to Pyongyang. This correspondence was a response to Kim’s letter, in which he referred to their summit in Pyongyang as a “historic occasion” and reiterated North Korea’s intention to further strengthen relations with Beijing. North Korea has been augmenting security ties with Russia, contributing soldiers and munitions to support Moscow’s actions in Ukraine.
Nevertheless, China remains North Korea’s primary economic partner, comprising nearly 98 percent of the country’s foreign trade in 2024, according to South Korea’s Ministry of Economy and Finance.
