Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a letter to North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, expressing the intention to develop bilateral relations regardless of the international situation.
North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un met with the party and government delegation dispatched from China on the 28th, the day after the so-called 'Victory Day' (Armistice Agreement Anniversary) 70th anniversary military parade, according to a report by the Korean Central News Agency on the 29th. [Image source=Yonhap News]
On the 29th, the Chinese Communist Party's official newspaper, the People's Daily, reported that Li Hongzhong, deputy chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and head of the Chinese Party and government delegation visiting North Korea for the 70th anniversary of the so-called 'Victory Day' (Armistice Agreement Commemoration Day), met with Chairman Kim in Pyongyang and delivered President Xi's letter.
In the letter, President Xi stated, "Seventy years ago, the Chinese People's Volunteer Army and the Korean People's Army jointly achieved the great victory of 'Hangmiwonjo' (抗美援朝, meaning resisting the United States and aiding North Korea), and forged a great camaraderie through bloodshed. Regardless of how the international situation changes, maintaining, consolidating, and developing China-North Korea relations is the firm policy of the Chinese Party and government," he emphasized.
In response to President Xi's letter, Chairman Kim expressed his gratitude and said, "North Korea hopes to further strengthen the traditional friendship with China, enhance exchanges and cooperation, develop North Korea-China relations to a higher level, and jointly safeguard regional peace, stability, and the common interests of both countries," according to the Chinese state news agency Xinhua.
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