A summit in Pyongyang signalled plans for deeper political and security coordination between Beijing and Pyongyang, leaving observers cautious about concrete commitments.
The President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, and North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un sent a signal in Pyongyang about further expanding bilateral cooperation and strengthening strategic coordination between the two countries.
The meeting took place on June 8 at the Kumsusan guest residence in Pyongyang. In addition to Xi and Kim Jong Un, senior officials from party and state leadership attended, including heads of foreign policy departments and military structures.
According to KCNA, the meeting was aimed at further strengthening friendly relations and coordinating on regional and international issues.
Key Moments of the Negotiations
According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un stated that Xi Jinping’s visit demonstrates a high level of relations between the two countries and confirms the commitment to developing friendship and cooperation between them.
“Our party, government, and people rejoice that the Chinese party, government, and people have achieved impressive successes in building a modern socialist country… Regardless of how the situation changes, our party and government will fully support the policies and positions of the Chinese party and government in safeguarding the fundamental interests on the principle of ‘One China’.”
– the North Korean leader
Xi Jinping, in response, noted the achievements in North Korea’s development and reaffirmed China’s unwavering course to strengthen traditional ties with the neighboring country, as well as the development of bilateral cooperation and coordination with Pyongyang on key issues of mutual interest.
KCNA also noted that as a result of the talks a satisfactory consensus was reached on all items on the agenda.
The talks reaffirm the two sides’ intention to deepen cooperation and strengthen security and stability in the region and the world.