Xi Jinping reaffirms China’s pledge to deepen ties with North Korea
Chinese President Xi Jinping replied to Kim Jong-un’s congratulatory note, confirming Beijing’s commitment to strengthen the bilateral relationship.
Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a reply to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s congratulatory letter marking the 77th anniversary of China’s founding, reiterating Beijing’s dedication to a stronger partnership. He highlighted the historic support between the two countries across generations and noted that their geographic proximity underpins a shared destiny. Referring to his June state visit, Xi said the leaders reached important understandings on deepening ties and strategic guidance for development.
He pledged to expand practical cooperation, consolidate political trust, and keep close coordination, aiming to benefit both peoples and contribute to regional peace. The remarks come after a period of tension in 2024, with recent gestures such as Kim’s attendance at China’s Victory Day parade and the opening of the New Yalu River Bridge linking Sinuiju and Dandong.
Why it matters
The reaffirmed China-North Korea partnership influences regional stability and diplomatic balances in East Asia.
How this story developed
- Oct 8 Seoul pulls its ambassador from Kyiv over disputed North Korean POW transfer
- Oct 13 North Korea announced a successful test of a tactical ballistic missile citing a technical component upgrade.
- Oct 13 South Korea’s ambassador returned to Seoul, confirming the recall.
- Oct 13 After a twelve-year postponement, China and North Korea have inaugurated a new bridge linking Dandong and Sinuiju across the Yalu River.
- Oct 13 Defector Choi Min-kyeong secured a court award of 50 million won against Kim Jong-un for torture and sexual violence she endured in North Korea.
- Oct 15 North Korea announced an AI‑assisted intermediate‑range hypersonic missile launch.
- Oct 15 Customs data showed a pronounced spike in northbound shipments on the older Sino‑Korean Friendship Bridge in the days after the Oct 1‑7 holiday as traders rushed to send goods before the new bridge opens.
- Oct 18 Seoul announced that its aid to Kyiv will continue despite the ongoing diplomatic dispute.
- Oct 18 New reporting reveals large numbers of North Korean laborers at Russia’s Alabuga drone plant.
- Oct 19 Kim Yo-jong said the southern border is very unstable and North Korea is reviewing a possible restart of loudspeaker broadcasts.
- Oct 19 North Korean state media released images of Kim Jong Un inspecting a footwear and clothing exhibition, countering online claims that he had died.
- Oct 20 North Korea announced it is considering deploying additional weapons and restarting loudspeaker broadcasts.
- Oct 21 Kim Yo Jong issued a new statement warning of serious tension on the Korean border.
- Oct 21 South Korea reported 2,780 loudspeaker broadcasts and 201 warning shots along the border.
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