PYONGYANG — Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the long-standing relationship between China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), pledging to carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries through future generations.
During Xi's official visit to Pyongyang, the two leaders participated in a series of symbolic and political events highlighting the deep historical ties between China and North Korea. Xi, who also serves as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, was accompanied by his wife Peng Liyuan, while Kim Jong Un was joined by his wife Ri Sol Ju.
One of the key moments of the visit was Xi and Kim paying tribute at the China-DPRK Friendship Tower, a monument commemorating the Chinese People's Volunteers who fought alongside North Korean forces during the Korean War in the 1950s. Both leaders emphasized that the period when Chinese and Korean soldiers fought side by side remains an eternal historical memory shared by the two nations.
The two sides also pledged to jointly preserve memorial facilities dedicated to Chinese People's Volunteers martyrs. They agreed to organize educational programs focused on revolutionary traditions and youth development while continuing to promote the spirit of the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea.
On Tuesday morning, Xi and Kim visited the Central Cadres Training School of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) in Pyongyang. During the visit, the two leaders jointly planted a fir tree in a wooded area between teaching buildings. The evergreen tree was described as a symbol of the enduring and continuously renewing friendship between China and the DPRK.
Speaking at a welcome banquet hosted by Kim Jong Un, Xi said that relations between China and North Korea have entered a new historical starting point. He noted that this year marks the 65th anniversary of the China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, a milestone that underscores the significance of bilateral relations.
Xi stated that China and the DPRK are linked by mountains and rivers and share a common future. According to him, the traditional friendship between the two countries has been passed down through generations and has grown stronger despite changes in the international landscape.
The Chinese president revealed that he and Kim had reached important agreements during their meetings. From the strategic perspective of safeguarding and advancing socialism, both leaders agreed to strengthen high-level exchanges, deepen strategic communication, expand practical cooperation, and enhance people-to-people exchanges.
Xi said the two sides would work together to promote high-quality development of China-DPRK relations, create brighter prospects for the socialist causes of both nations, and contribute to the progress of humanity.
The Chinese leader also praised the successful convening of the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea, describing it as a significant event that laid out long-term plans and major policy directions for the country's future development. Xi said the congress has opened a new chapter in the comprehensive development of North Korea's socialist cause.
As good neighbors, good friends, and good comrades, Xi expressed China's sincere hope that under Kim Jong Un's leadership, North Korea would successfully achieve the goals and tasks established by the Ninth Congress of the WPK and continue making new achievements in its socialist development.
In response, Kim Jong Un extended a warm welcome to Xi on behalf of the Workers' Party of Korea, the North Korean government, and its people. He described Xi as the country's most distinguished guest and said Pyongyang was filled with an atmosphere of friendship during the visit.
Kim noted that Xi's decision to make North Korea his first overseas destination of the year demonstrated the importance Beijing places on bilateral relations. He described the visit as valuable support for North Korea's socialist cause.
The North Korean leader pointed out that the meeting took place nine months after their previous talks. He said both leaders had reached important consensus on advancing DPRK-China relations under changing international circumstances and had exchanged views on major regional and global issues of mutual concern.
According to Kim, the agreements reached during the visit would further strengthen the historic friendship between the two countries and contribute to peace and stability in the region and around the world.
Kim also praised China's recent achievements, saying the North Korean people take great joy in the progress made by the Chinese people. He expressed confidence that under the leadership of the Communist Party of China and Xi Jinping, China would continue achieving success in building a modern socialist nation, realizing its Second Centenary Goal, and advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
The visit highlights the continued strategic partnership between Beijing and Pyongyang at a time of shifting geopolitical dynamics in East Asia. Both countries signaled their intention to deepen political trust, expand cooperation, and preserve the historical foundations of their relationship as they move forward into a new phase of bilateral ties.