WEB DESK: On Thursday, President Xi Jinping assured North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that China’s commitment to North Korea’s significance remains steadfast. During their meeting in Beijing, Xi emphasized that Beijing’s stance “will not waver” regardless of changing international dynamics.
Kim’s visit to China marks a rare diplomatic engagement, underscoring North Korea’s importance as Beijing’s key regional partner. The visit coincided with a grand military parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which was attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin alongside Xi.
The leaders convened at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where Xi reiterated the importance China places on its “time-honored friendship” with North Korea.
According to the official news agency Xinhua, Xi expressed China’s readiness to “maintain, strengthen, and grow” bilateral relations, affirming, “This stance will remain unchanged, regardless of international circumstances.”Since its inception during the Korean War in the 1950s, China has been a crucial supporter of North Korea, providing diplomatic backing, economic aid, and political legitimacy. However, recent developments have seen Pyongyang edging closer to Russia—signing a mutual defense pact last year and dispatching soldiers to Ukraine.
During their talks, Xi conveyed China’s willingness to “advance high-level dialogues and strategic coordination” with North Korea, aiming to “deepen mutual understanding and friendship,” and to “enhance cooperation across various sectors,” according to Xinhua. The statement also highlighted the importance of aligning on global issues and defending shared interests.
Kim expressed similar sentiments, reaffirming the enduring nature of their alliance and pledging North Korea’s backing on key issues such as Taiwan. The meeting included a social component, with the leaders sharing tea and dinner.
Following the discussions, Kim’s armored train was observed departing Beijing, as reported by South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency.
Despite the warmth displayed publicly, the relationship between Beijing and Pyongyang remains complex. China’s support is largely driven by a desire to prevent instability on the Korean Peninsula—an expectation Kim has not always fulfilled.
Kim’s trip to China is notable as his second international journey in six years and his first visit since 2019. His presence at the parade also marked the first occasion where he appeared alongside Xi and Putin at a major event.
Kim once enjoyed a period of high-profile diplomacy, including summits with U.S. President Donald Trump and South Korean leaders in 2018. However, after the Hanoi summit collapsed in 2019, North Korea retreated from the global diplomatic stage, declaring itself an “irreversible” nuclear power and rejecting efforts to improve relations with Seoul.
While Trump expressed hope for future meetings, Pyongyang’s recent actions suggest a focus on maintaining its nuclear capabilities and resisting external pressures.
