New Delhi: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and China's top legislator, Zhao Leji, celebrated a "new chapter" in Beijing-Pyongyang relations on Saturday, during a meeting, marking one of the highest-level engagements between the allies in years. Zhao Leji, a member of the powerful Standing Committee of the Chinese Communist Party's Politburo, made a goodwill visit to North Korea as the two nations commemorate 75 years of diplomatic ties.
China remains North Korea's primary economic supporter and key diplomatic partner, consistently thwarting US-led initiatives at the UN Security Council, often alongside Russia, to enforce stricter sanctions against Kim Jong Un's regime in response to its ongoing weapons testing. Zhao's meeting with Kim on Saturday followed his participation in the opening ceremony for the "Year of China-Democratic People's Republic of Korea Friendship" in Pyongyang the day before, as reported by AFP citing Chinese state media Xinhua.
Zhao told Kim that China is "willing to strengthen development linkage and deepen bilateral cooperation with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea," according to Xinhua.
During their meeting, Zhao conveyed China's willingness to advance bilateral practical cooperation for mutual benefit, aiming to achieve new outcomes while maintaining strong mutual support and safeguarding shared interests. In response, Kim expressed North Korea's eagerness to deepen the traditional friendship and embark on a new chapter in DPRK-China relations.
A photo released by Xinhua depicted Zhao and Kim exchanging smiles and handshakes. As China's third highest-ranking official, behind President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, Zhao's visit holds significant diplomatic weight.
During the opening ceremony on Friday, Zhao underscored the importance of ushering in a new era of China-DPRK friendship aligned with contemporary developments. His remarks, delivered alongside North Korean counterpart Choe Ryong Hae, reflect a mutual commitment to nurturing enduring ties and fostering cooperation between the two nations, reported AFP.
North Korea's Choe said on Friday that the two countries' relationship "has greeted a new heyday under the wise leadership" of their leaders, KCNA said.
Choe and Zhao were observed seated alongside each other, enjoying performances by esteemed art troupes from both nations at the East Pyongyang Grand Theatre, as captured in AFP footage. The performers donned vibrant traditional Korean and Chinese attire, culminating in a grand finale featuring a striking display of the countries' flags, symbolizing "eternal friendship."
Reports from South Korean local media suggest that Zhao's visit may entail discussions regarding the logistics of Kim's prospective state visit to Beijing.
Kim Jong Un Met Xi Jinping In 2019
The meeting between Zhao and Choe in Pyongyang marks one of the most significant high-level engagements between China and North Korea in years, as Kim's last meeting with President Xi held in 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic. The departure of the Chinese delegation from Pyongyang on Saturday was accompanied by a send-off from senior North Korean officials, as reported by Xinhua. Despite North Korea's contrasting rhetoric towards South Korea, characterised by tensions, its relations with Beijing remain notably amicable,
This year, Kim has declared Seoul his country's "principal enemy", jettisoned agencies dedicated to reunification and outreach, and threatened war over "even 0.001 mm" of territorial infringement.
China's state-run news agency Xinhua said Friday that Zhao and Choe discussed the "situation on the Korean peninsula", and Zhao expressed Beijing's willingness to "intensify legislative exchanges and cooperation".