North korea: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has expressed his commitment to enhance the nation's relationship with China in a recent letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping, as reported by state media on Friday. The message was delivered on Thursday, where Kim extended his gratitude for Xi's letter, which was sent to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea on October 10.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim emphasized the enduring policy of the North Korean party and government to continue fostering traditional, cooperative relations with China and to further develop these ties. Kim was quoted by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) as saying that the bilateral relations would be vigorously pursued to promote the welfare of both nations' people and to ensure regional and global stability.
While Kim did not directly address issues such as the Korean Peninsula or Taiwan, his letter implied North Korea's support for China's position on significant regional matters. It suggested cooperation with Beijing to protect the interests of both countries. This stance was echoed by North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang last week in Pyongyang, where he affirmed North Korea's backing of China's efforts to defend its core interests, including those related to Taiwan.
Kim's recent visit to Beijing, where he attended China's military parade and engaged in his first talks with Xi in over six years, marks a significant restoration of ties between North Korea and China. This follows a period of strained relations due to North Korea's close association with Russia.