In a significant diplomatic move, a top-ranking Chinese official, Zhao Leji, reaffirmed ties with North Korea during a meeting with the country’s leader, Kim Jong Un, in Pyongyang. This meeting, reported by China’s state media, marks the highest-level talks between the two allies in years.
The visit comes at a time when North Korea has been test-firing missiles to intimidate South Korea and the United States. Zhao, who ranks third in the ruling Communist Party hierarchy and heads the ceremonial parliament, expressed China’s commitment to further developing ties with North Korea during the meeting.
Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 75 years ago, China and North Korea have maintained a strong relationship, with China being North Korea’s most important source of economic aid and diplomatic support. Despite international sanctions imposed on North Korea due to its nuclear weapons program, China has continued to support its neighbor.
The meeting between Zhao and Kim also focused on promoting exchanges and cooperation in various areas. This visit is significant as it marks the first bilateral exchange involving a Chinese Politburo Standing Committee member since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
As North Korea seeks to strengthen its ties with China and Russia amid tensions with the US and South Korea, the diplomatic engagement between China and North Korea is expected to continue with a series of exchanges planned to mark the anniversary of their diplomatic ties. This reaffirms the enduring alliance between the two countries despite international pressure.