North Korea China's interests

North Korea China’s interests

Beijing (dpa) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said that Pyongyang would support Beijing’s interests without exception, as his first visit to China in six years came to a close, state news agency KCNA reported on Friday.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping said during talks with Kim on Thursday that Beijing and Pyongyang share a common destiny, according to North Korean and Chinese state media, while Kim pledged support for China’s interests regardless of the international situation.

Kim also praised China for its crucial role in defending world peace, according to KCNA.

According to reports from both sides, Kim and Xi agreed to closer ties during their meeting in Beijing.

While in China, Kim also joined Xi and other non-NATO leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Wednesday to attend a major Chinese military parade to commemorate Japan’s surrender 80 years ago, marking the end of World War II.

China pledged to continue to support North Korea on its development path and is ready to strengthen high-level exchanges and strategic communication. Pyongyang meanwhile pledged to support Beijing as it defends its sovereignty, territorial integrity and interests.

Both countries said they should deepen their strategic coordination on international and regional issues and safeguard their shared interests.

Kim arrived in Beijing by armoured train on Tuesday, and headed back home on Thursday evening, KCNA reported, speaking of Kim’s visit as a “historic occasion.”

Xi and Kim had last met in person in 2019. China is considered a key economic backer for internationally isolated North Korea.

But relations appear to have stalled somewhat, with few high-ranking Chinese officials known to have travelled to the neighbouring country since.

Observers believe Kim’s visit to China may be a sign of a normalization of ties.