Xi Jinping visits Pyongyang for first state visit in 7 years

Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un arrive at a reception marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in September last year. [Reuters]
Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un arrive at a reception marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in September last year. [Reuters]

North Korea moved swiftly to reaffirm its support for the "One China" principle immediately after summit talks between the two countries' leaders.

Kim Jong-un, North Korea's leader, designated relations with China on Monday as "the state's most critical No. 1 strategic project" and reaffirmed Pyongyang's commitment to the One China principle, according to Yonhap News Agency.

Kim held summit talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Kumsusan State Guesthouse in Pyongyang that afternoon, saying that "strengthening and developing the North Korea-China friendship in the new era is the people's choice and the demand of the times."

"We will consistently regard the development of North Korea-China relations as the state's most critical No. 1 strategic project," Kim said. "We will work to make the North Korea-China relationship a model for inter-state relations and jointly contribute to peace and prosperity in the region and the world."

Kim also said the international community is "undergoing unprecedented and sweeping changes," adding that North Korea "will unwaveringly uphold the One China principle and firmly support the policies and positions China takes to defend its core interests."

Kim said Xi's choice of Pyongyang as his first overseas destination this year "demonstrates particular importance and friendship toward North Korea-China relations, and is a great source of encouragement for the North Korean side."


20ki@heraldcorp.com