China's Xi and North Korea's Kim Pledge Closer Ties After Meeting in Beijing
Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed to strengthen bilateral relations during a meeting in Beijing, following a commemoration of the end of World War II.
BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing mutual support and cooperation between their countries, as stated by their respective state media outlets.
The meeting took place at Beijing's Great Hall of the People, following Kim's attendance at a Chinese military parade alongside other foreign leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.
This visit marks Kim's first trip outside North Korea in six years, during which he was accompanied by his daughter, who is being groomed as the potential future leader of North Korea.
During their discussions, Xi highlighted the 'traditional friendship' between China and North Korea, vowing to deepen and expand their relations.
According to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, Xi emphasized that this position would remain unchanged regardless of the evolving international situation.
In response, North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the leaders agreed to increase high-level exchanges and strengthen strategic cooperation in both regional and international affairs.
Kim departed Beijing via his private train on Thursday evening after meeting with Xi.
China has historically been North Korea's largest trading partner and primary aid provider, despite questions surrounding the robustness of their bilateral relationship.
In recent years, North Korean foreign policy has focused heavily on Russia, including sending combat troops and ammunition to support Russia's invasion of Ukraine in exchange for economic and military assistance.
Kim met with Putin after the parade, where Putin praised the bravery of North Korean soldiers.
Experts suggest that Kim's visit may also aim to prepare for a potential end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
This trip marks Kim's first attendance at an event with numerous world leaders since taking office in late 2011.
Additionally, the presence of North Korea at the parade has sparked speculation about potential cooperation among China, Russia, and North Korea to counteract U.S. pressure on these countries.
The relationship between China, North Korea, and Russia is complex, as each country faces separate confrontations with the United States.
While some speculate that they may form a three-way alliance, this has not yet occurred.
Zhu Feng, dean of Nanjing University's School of International Relations, notes that forming such an alliance could harm China's image due to North Korea being one of the world's most closed and authoritarian countries.
The exact nature and extent of the agreements made during Kim's meeting with Xi in Beijing remain unclear, but it is evident that both leaders aim to strengthen their nations' ties amidst a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
The meeting took place at Beijing's Great Hall of the People, following Kim's attendance at a Chinese military parade alongside other foreign leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.
This visit marks Kim's first trip outside North Korea in six years, during which he was accompanied by his daughter, who is being groomed as the potential future leader of North Korea.
During their discussions, Xi highlighted the 'traditional friendship' between China and North Korea, vowing to deepen and expand their relations.
According to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, Xi emphasized that this position would remain unchanged regardless of the evolving international situation.
In response, North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the leaders agreed to increase high-level exchanges and strengthen strategic cooperation in both regional and international affairs.
Kim departed Beijing via his private train on Thursday evening after meeting with Xi.
China has historically been North Korea's largest trading partner and primary aid provider, despite questions surrounding the robustness of their bilateral relationship.
In recent years, North Korean foreign policy has focused heavily on Russia, including sending combat troops and ammunition to support Russia's invasion of Ukraine in exchange for economic and military assistance.
Kim met with Putin after the parade, where Putin praised the bravery of North Korean soldiers.
Experts suggest that Kim's visit may also aim to prepare for a potential end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
This trip marks Kim's first attendance at an event with numerous world leaders since taking office in late 2011.
Additionally, the presence of North Korea at the parade has sparked speculation about potential cooperation among China, Russia, and North Korea to counteract U.S. pressure on these countries.
The relationship between China, North Korea, and Russia is complex, as each country faces separate confrontations with the United States.
While some speculate that they may form a three-way alliance, this has not yet occurred.
Zhu Feng, dean of Nanjing University's School of International Relations, notes that forming such an alliance could harm China's image due to North Korea being one of the world's most closed and authoritarian countries.
The exact nature and extent of the agreements made during Kim's meeting with Xi in Beijing remain unclear, but it is evident that both leaders aim to strengthen their nations' ties amidst a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
