China has demonstrated renewed closeness with North Korea following a summit between the leaders of the two nations earlier this month, coinciding with China’s National Day (commemorating the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949).
The Rodong Sinmun, the official mouthpiece of the Workers’ Party, reported on Friday that Wang Yajun, the Chinese ambassador to North Korea, hosted a reception at the embassy the previous day to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Among the notable North Korean officials in attendance were Kang Yun-seok, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly; Moon Sung-hyuk, Deputy Director of the Party Central Committee; Park Myong-ho, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Ryu Un-hae, Vice Minister of External Economic Affairs.
Ambassador Wang declared that the birth of New China has bolstered global peace, democracy, and socialist strength, adding that the traditional friendship between China and North Korea continues to forge new chapters.
He emphasized that China is committed to fully implementing the crucial mutual understanding reached by the top leaders of the two parties and nations, and to making even greater progress in Sino-North Korean relations.
Vice Chairman Kang responded, stating that the friendship between China and North Korea, forged and reinforced through the joint struggle for a common cause, is evolving to meet the demands of the new era. He pledged to work closely with their Chinese counterparts to further enhance and develop this friendship and cooperation.
The Chinese embassy in North Korea also reported on the reception through its website. The full text of Ambassador Wang’s speech included the statement that in the face of changing times, China firmly implements its major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics and upholds the purposes and principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter, standing up for fairness and justice in tariff wars, trade wars, and international and regional issues. This underscores the significance of relations with North Korea in the context of the so-called anti-U.S. alliance, reflecting a commitment to strengthening these ties.
Choe Son-hui, North Korea’s Foreign Minister, is scheduled to visit China from September 27 to 30 at the invitation of Wang Yi, the Chinese Communist Party’s foreign affairs chief. Minister Choe may also discuss the potential visit of high-ranking Chinese officials, including President Xi Jinping, to North Korea for the 80th anniversary of the Workers’ Party on October 10.