Beijing, China – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un assured Chinese President Xi Jinping of his intention to develop relations between the two countries regardless of international situations.
Kim held bilateral talks with Xi in Beijing on Thursday, following talks the previous day with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Kim said, “The feeling of friendship between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and China will not change no matter how the international situation develops”.
The North Korean leader added, “The determination of the Workers’ Party of Korea and the government to continuously develop relations between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and China is unwavering”.
On Wednesday, Kim participated alongside Xi and Putin in ceremonies commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II amid tension with the West.
US President Donald Trump then accused the three leaders of “conspiring” against the United States.
Meanwhile, the European Union’s foreign relations official, Kaya Kallas, saw this historic meeting as a “direct challenge” to the international system.
Kim also stressed that North Korea “will always steadfastly support” China’s efforts to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity and interests.
For his part, Xi stressed that China’s determination to develop relations is “steadfast, whatever the development of the international situation”.
Solid friendship
Kim explained, “The friendship between the peoples of North Korea and China remains constant, regardless of the changes in the world”.
He praised the “warm reception” he received, in a video of the bilateral talks broadcast on Chinese state television CCTV overnight.
The two countries have maintained close relations since they stood on one front during the Korean War (1950-1953).
China’s diplomatic, political and economic support is essential for North Korea.
On the other hand, Pyongyang has become one of Moscow’s most prominent allies since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
It sent thousands of soldiers and weapons to help the Kremlin push Ukrainian forces to withdraw from western Russia.
This comes after a surprise military operation carried out by Kiev in the region last year.
However, China did not show satisfaction with this rapprochement, in the opinion of experts.
Kim arrived in Beijing on Tuesday on his second trip abroad in six years, and his first visit to China since 2019.
His train was seen leaving Beijing on Thursday evening.
