Kim Jong Un: "North Korea-China Relationship Is Unbreakable... Supports One China Principle"

Premier Li Qiang Attends 80th Anniversary of Workers' Party of Korea
Kim Jong Un: "North Korea-China Ties Contribute to Regional Peace and Stability"

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang for the 80th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea, emphasizing the strength of bilateral ties by stating, "The North Korea-China relationship is unbreakable (牢不可破)."

Yonhap News Agency

According to Xinhua News Agency on October 10, Chairman Kim met with Premier Li in Pyongyang the previous day and said, "No matter how the international situation changes, it is the unwavering position of the North Korean party and government to strengthen and develop the friendly and cooperative relationship between North Korea and China."

Chairman Kim further stated, "This not only serves the common interests of both sides, but also contributes to peace, stability, and development in the region."

He went on to say, "North Korea firmly supports the One China principle," stressing, "We resolutely oppose any acts of Taiwan independence and separatism, as well as any external interference, and we support China’s position on the issues of Hong Kong, Macao, Xinjiang (Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region), and Xizang (Tibet Autonomous Region)."

Chairman Kim also remarked, "North Korea hopes to maintain close high-level exchanges with China, promote cooperation in all areas, and emphasize multilateral cooperation."

Premier Li likewise expressed, "We wish to strengthen high-level exchanges and strategic communication with North Korea," adding, "We want to deepen coordination and cooperation on international and regional issues."

Premier Li commented on last month’s North Korea-China summit between President Xi Jinping and Chairman Kim, saying, "It set the direction and drew a blueprint for further deepening North Korea-China relations," and emphasized, "The Chinese party and government have always approached North Korea-China relations from a strategic and long-term perspective."

Premier Li stressed that North Korea-China friendship is opening a new chapter under the strategic leadership of the top leaders of both countries, stating, "It is the consistent and unwavering strategic policy of the Chinese party and government to safeguard, consolidate, and develop North Korea-China relations."

Chairman Kim also reaffirmed that strengthening and developing bilateral relations in line with the demands of the times is an unwavering stance, saying, "Together with our Chinese comrades, we will further vitalize North Korea-China relations through the joint struggle to realize the socialist cause."

Li Qiang, who is ranked second in China’s power structure, is leading the Chinese delegation to North Korea for the 80th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea and is visiting North Korea from the previous day through October 11. This marks the first official visit by a Chinese premier to North Korea in 16 years, since Premier Wen Jiabao’s visit in October 2009.