China to expand cooperation with North Korea “in all areas”- President Xi says

Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held a summit in Beijing, officially reaffirming the normalization of long-dormant relations between the two countries after years of quiet tensions.

The summit, which coincided with the 80th anniversary of China’s Victory Day, was widely seen as a high-profile signal of renewed top-level engagement between Beijing and Pyongyang. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s visit to China—the first in six years and eight months—was met with an unusually high level of protocol by the Chinese leadership, signaling Beijing’s intent to reset the bilateral relationship, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Observers interpreted the meeting as a formal return to the "top-down" diplomacy model that has historically defined China–North Korea relations.

During the talks, President Xi emphasized the need for greater collaboration between the two nations in response to evolving global challenges. "China will also maintain close interaction with the DPRK at all levels and carry out practical cooperation in all areas," Xi said in his remarks to Kim.

He further outlined China’s strategic interest in deepening influence over Korean Peninsula affairs and hinted at Beijing's intent to use closer ties with Pyongyang as leverage in countering Washington's pressure. "China always maintains an objective and fair position, and wants to continue to strengthen coordination with the North and maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula as much as possible," Xi stated.

President Xi stressed that “China and North Korea should protect their common interests by strengthening strategic cooperation in international and regional issues.” He added, “We will strengthen high-level exchanges and strategic communication with the North Korean side, and North Korea and China will strengthen strategic cooperation and defend common interests in international and regional issues.”

In response, Chairman Kim Jong-un expressed strong support for China’s positions on sensitive issues including Taiwan, Tibet, and Xinjiang. “It is (North Korea's) firm will to continue to deepen and develop relations with China,” Kim said. “I support China's defence of national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

By Vafa Guliyeva