Kim Jong-un pledges deeper strategic partnership with China in National Day letter

Kim Jong-un addressed a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping on the occasion of China’s National Day, extending heartfelt congratulations and noting the 65th anniversary of the DPRK-China friendship treaty. He emphasized the historic, blood-shed foundation of the relationship and vowed to strengthen it into a "most powerful and strategic" partnership between socialist nations. Referencing two recent summits with Xi, Kim pledged to advance the ties to a new strategic level.

The correspondence, notably longer and warmer than prior years, signals a possible warming of relations. A day earlier, Pyongyang hosted a reception for the Chinese national day, with Ambassador Wang Yajun and embassy staff in attendance. State media presented the letter as evidence of steadfast unity despite shifting international circumstances.