The Rodong Sinmun reported on Monday that North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui visited China and met with Wang Yi, the Chinese Foreign Minister and head of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission. They reportedly reached complete agreement on international and regional issues.
The newspaper stated that Choe held talks with Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China’s Central Committee and Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on September 28.
The meeting included North Korean officials such as the Foreign Minister’s delegation and Ri Ryong-nam, the North Korean ambassador to China, as well as Chinese officials including Sun Weidong, China’s Vice Foreign Minister.
Choe emphasized that the 80th anniversary commemorations of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War clearly demonstrate the People’s Republic of China’s historical achievements, current international standing, and comprehensive national strength.
She further highlighted that during this critical period of significant changes in the domestic and international environments of both countries, the meetings between top leaders would set the fundamental direction and guiding principles for developing North Korea–China relations in response to evolving circumstances and contemporary demands.
Choe also conveyed that General Secretary Kim Jong Un stressed the need to advance North Korea–China relations in line with the requirements of the times.
Wang noted that Choe’s visit marks the first high-level North Korean delegation to China following the meeting between General Secretary Kim and Chinese President Xi Jinping. He stated that President Xi and General Secretary Kim met for the first time in six years to propose directions and blueprints for elevating the relationship between the two countries to a new level.
Wang emphasized the necessity of strengthening strategic communication, promoting mutual visits and cooperation, and jointly safeguarding regional peace and stability. He asserted that it is the consistent and unwavering position of the Chinese Party and government to excellently maintain, consolidate, and develop the traditional friendship between China and North Korea.
He also expressed hope that Choe’s visit would serve as an opportunity to protect the common interests of both countries and enhance bilateral relations.
The newspaper reported that both sides exchanged in-depth views on international and regional issues during the talks and reached complete agreement.
Choe arrived in Beijing on September 27 at Wang’s invitation and will continue her visit until Tuesday. This marks her first solo trip to China since taking office in June 2022. Earlier this month, she accompanied General Secretary Kim during his visit to China for the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.
North Korea is preparing for a large-scale military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Workers’ Party founding on October 10. Speculation suggests that discussions may have included the possibility of a high-ranking Chinese official attending, as well as potential plans for President Xi’s visit to North Korea.
