Beijing ready to bolster strategic communication and deepen cooperation, says president

President Xi Jinping on Oct 10 extended congratulations on the 80th founding anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), saying that Beijing stands ready to work with Pyongyang to strengthen strategic communication, deepen practical cooperation and enhance close coordination to promote the steady development of bilateral ties.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a congratulatory message sent to Kim Jong-un, general secretary of the WPK.

On behalf of the CPC Central Committee and in his own name, Xi extended warm congratulations and best wishes to Kim, the WPK Central Committee, all members of the WPK, and the people of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on the anniversary.

Over the past 80 years, the WPK has united and led the DPRK people in forging ahead and overcoming difficulties, achieving remarkable progress in advancing the socialist cause of the DPRK, Xi said.

In recent years, Kim has led the Party and the people of the DPRK in strengthening Party building, developing the economy, and improving people’s livelihoods, Xi said, expressing his wish that the DPRK’s socialist cause will continue to make new achievements and that the WPK’s 9th Congress will be a success.

As neighboring countries connected by mountains and rivers, China and the DPRK are both socialist countries led by communist parties.

Xi said that in recent years, he has held several meetings with Kim to guide and steer the development of relations between the two parties and the two countries, opening a new chapter in the China-DPRK friendship.

Their most recent meeting took place in September, when Kim visited China to attend the commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War.

The two leaders held in-depth discussions and charted the course for further developing the friendly and cooperative relations.

Xi reaffirmed in his congratulatory message that, regardless of changes in the international situation, it remains the unwavering policy of the CPC and the Chinese government to maintain, consolidate and develop China-DPRK ties.

He pledged to further advance bilateral ties to better serve the socialist causes of both countries and contribute to regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity.

On Oct 9, Premier Li Qiang arrived in Pyongyang, leading a Party and government delegation to attend the 80th anniversary celebrations of the WPK and pay an official goodwill visit to the DPRK.

His three-day visit marked the first trip to the DPRK by a Chinese premier in 16 years.

Li, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, was warmly welcomed and met by a guard of honor after his arrival at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport.

Pak Thae-song, premier of the Cabinet of the DPRK and presidium member of the Political Bureau of the Workers’ Party of Korea Central Committee, held a welcoming ceremony for Li.

Upon arrival, Li said that China and the DPRK, as socialist neighbors connected by mountains and rivers, enjoy a profound traditional friendship.

In recent years, under the strategic guidance and personal efforts of the top leaders of the two countries, China-DPRK relations have been brimming with new dynamism and vitality, he added.

Li said that China is ready to follow through on the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two countries, strengthen strategic communication, maintain close exchanges, and push for friendly cooperation between the two nations, in order to make greater contributions to regional and world peace, stability, and prosperity.

When meeting with Kim, who is also president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, on Oct 9, Li said that the CPC and the Chinese government have always viewed ties with the DPRK from a strategic and long-term perspective.

Li called on the two sides to strengthen multilateral collaboration, firmly safeguard and practice multilateralism and promote the development of the international order in a more just and equitable direction.

The DPRK, Kim said, firmly supports the one-China principle, resolutely opposes separatist acts of “Taiwan independence” and any external interference, and supports China’s position on issues related to Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Xizang.

Pyongyang is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with Beijing, promote cooperation in various fields, strengthen multilateral collaboration, advance the development of their respective socialist causes, and bring more benefits to the people of the two countries, he added.

On Oct 10, Li paid homage to the martyrs of the Chinese People’s Volunteer (CPV) Army at a cemetery in Anju, 65 kilometers away from the DPRK capital.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the CPV’s participation in the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53).

The premier said that 75 years ago, the CPV soldiers, carrying the great trust of the Chinese people, crossed the Yalu River and fought alongside the army and civilians of the DPRK to defend peace and justice.

After two years and nine months of bloody battles, they finally won a great victory, he added.

“With deep reverence, we pay tribute to the CPV martyrs who sacrificed their lives heroically, and express our profound remembrance,” Li said, adding that the motherland and the people will never forget the immortal feats they have forged with their flesh and blood.

Seventy-five years have passed, and China has undergone earthshaking and historic changes, Li noted, saying that the Chinese nation has made a great leap from standing up to becoming prosperous and strong.

He also called for efforts to continue carrying forward the will of the martyrs, better promote the great spirit of the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea, and constantly advance the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era.

The Chinese side, Li said, stands ready to work with its DPRK comrades to further carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries, strengthen practical cooperation, and move forward hand in hand on the path of common development.

Jong Myong-su, vice-premier of the DPRK Cabinet, accompanied Li for the mourning. Some 100 people, including all members of the Chinese delegation and staff at the Chinese embassy in the DPRK, participated in the memorial service.

On Oct 10, Li also visited the China-DPRK Friendship Tower.

Also on Oct 9, Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, attended a reception in Beijing celebrating the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea. The reception was hosted by the DPRK embassy in China.

Customs statistics showed that in 2024, the volume of bilateral trade in goods reached $2.18 billion. China remained the biggest trading partner of the DPRK.

The two countries have maintained exchanges and cooperation in various fields, including culture, education, science and technology, and sports. They have signed a number of cooperation agreements in areas such as trade and navigation, air transportation, and consular affairs.

Xinhua contributed to this story.

Contact the writers at mojingxi@chinadaily.com.cn