Kim Jong Un Kneels to Lay Flowers at Mao Zedong's Eldest Son's Grave: "Invincible Vitality of North Korea-China Friendship"

Visited the Martyrs' Cemetery of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army in Hoechang County, South Pyongan Province
Paid Tribute to the Fallen Soldiers... Laid Flowers at Mao Anying's Grave

Kim Jong Un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, paid his respects at the cemetery for the fallen soldiers of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army to mark the 75th anniversary of China's entry into the Korean War on October 25.

According to Yonhap News Agency on the 25th, the Korean Central News Agency reported that Chairman Kim visited the Martyrs' Cemetery of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army in Hoechang County, South Pyongan Province, the previous day and expressed "high tribute." Chairman Kim observed a moment of silence in remembrance of the fallen Chinese soldiers and laid flowers at the grave of Mao Anying, the eldest son of former Chairman Mao Zedong, who was killed in action during the Korean War.

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jongun paid high tribute to the martyrs of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army at the Martyrs' Cemetery in Hoechang County, South Pyongan Province, on the 24th, marking the 75th anniversary of China's entry into the Korean War on October 25, the Korean Central News Agency reported on the 25th. Yonhap News Agency

The news agency stated, "The Chinese People's Volunteer Army martyrs, who shed their blood to support our people's revolutionary war and demonstrated the spirit of internationalism and brotherly friendship, are cherished in the hearts of both peoples as a precious symbol of North Korea-China friendship." It continued, "Even as time passes and generations change, our people will never forget the noble blood and immortal achievements of the outstanding sons and daughters of the Chinese people." The report also emphasized, "The friendship between North Korea and China, forged in blood, will continue to demonstrate its invincible vitality in the sacred struggle to achieve anti-imperialist independence and the socialist cause."

Accompanying the visit were Jo Yongwon, Pak Jongchon, and Kim Tokhun, secretaries of the Workers' Party, as well as Foreign Minister Choe Sonhui.

The Martyrs' Cemetery of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army in Hoechang County is the site where the headquarters of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army was located during the Korean War and is the resting place of Mao Anying and other fallen Chinese soldiers. Chairman Kim also visited this site ahead of the 70th anniversary of China's participation in 2020. This year, as it marks a major anniversary (celebrated every five years), Kim's personal visit is seen as significant. However, compared to five years ago, this year's visit did not include any reported remarks from Kim, and fewer military officials accompanied the visit.

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un paid high tribute to the martyrs of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army on October 24 at the Martyrs' Cemetery in Hoechang County, South Pyongan Province, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of China's participation in the Korean War on October 25, according to the Korean Central News Agency on the 25th. Yonhap News Agency

Rodong Sinmun Also Highlights 'Historical Ties Between North Korea and China'

Meanwhile, the Workers' Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun also emphasized the historical ties between North Korea and China in an article titled "The Achievements of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army Will Shine Forever Alongside North Korea-China Friendship." The newspaper stated, "The joint commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army's participation in the Korean front by both countries demonstrates the unwavering determination of the two parties and peoples to further elevate and develop North Korea-China friendship."

It continued, "Today, the North Korea-China friendship has entered a new phase of development under the deep attention of the top leaders of both parties and both countries," adding, "Regardless of changes in the international situation, it is the consistent position of our party and government to strengthen and develop the traditional North Korea-China relationship of friendship and cooperation in line with the demands of the times and the shared aspirations of both peoples." The article further stated, "The peoples of North Korea and China will continue to strengthen their support and solidarity in the struggle against imperialist aggression and hegemony, and to safeguard international fairness and justice, always standing together."