Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un emphasized the expansion of bilateral relations
Xi Jinping, the President of China, during his visit to Pyongyang, met with Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, and discussed the development of political, economic, and cultural cooperation between the two countries.
North Korea’s official news agency described this meeting as the beginning of a new phase in the relations between the two countries. Xi Jinping, who has visited North Korea for the first time in seven years, emphasized strengthening bilateral relations and expanding strategic communications between the two countries.
Kim Jong Un also, in this meeting, declared his full support for the One China policy, a principle based on which China considers Taiwan as part of its territory.
The President of China also visited the China-North Korea Friendship Tower in Pyongyang, a monument built in memory of Chinese soldiers who were killed in the Korean War.
Despite both sides emphasizing friendly relations, analysts believe China is more focused on economic and practical cooperation, while North Korea emphasizes political independence and equality in relations with Beijing. The reports published did not mention North Korea’s nuclear program or its relations with the United States.