Korea Archives - Friends of Socialist China

Wang Yi visits DPRK

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), visited the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on April 9-10 at the invitation of his DPRK counterpart Choe Son Hui, who is Foreign Minister and also a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK).

In their talks on April 9, Wang said that in early September last year, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, and Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the WPK, held a historic meeting in Beijing, reaching important consensus on the overall, strategic and directional issues concerning bilateral ties.

Their meeting provides important strategic guidance for further developing China-DPRK relations, pushes bilateral ties into a new stage and opens a new chapter in friendly exchanges between the two countries, which is of great and far-reaching significance, Wang added.

The past year has witnessed a series of highlights in China-DPRK exchanges, which strongly demonstrated that the two countries’ traditional friendship forged in blood remains everlasting and unbreakable, the Chinese Foreign Minister said, noting that this year marks the 65th anniversary of the signing of the China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance. (The DPRK is the only country with which China has a treaty of this type.)

Over the past 65 years, Wang said, no matter how the international and regional situations have changed, China and the DPRK, as good neighbours, good friends and good comrades, have always trusted and supported each other, making unremitting efforts to maintain regional and world peace and stability and promote their respective development.

Wang added that China is willing to work with the DPRK side to hold commemorative events for the 65th anniversary of the signing of the treaty, strengthen high-level exchanges, enhance dialogue and practical cooperation at all levels and in various fields, deepen people-to-people exchanges and mutual understanding, and contribute to their respective economic and social development.

For her part, Choe said that the DPRK-China friendship is based on the common socialist system and traditional friendship, describing bilateral relations as deep-rooted, solid and sustainable. It is the unwavering position of the WPK and the nation to advance DPRK-China friendship and cooperation following the trend of the times and the will of the two peoples.

The DPRK, Choe said, fully supports the one-China principle, firmly opposes any interference in China’s internal affairs, and resolutely supports China’s position on safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity concerning Taiwan, Xizang [Tibet], Xinjiang, and other issues of China’s core interests.

She also said that the DPRK side fully endorses the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and the four global initiatives proposed by Xi, and highly values China’s just position on and important role in international and regional affairs.

The DPRK government hosted a reception for Wang Yi and his delegation that evening.

In her speech, Choe Son Hui said that it is the consistent policy of the WPK and the DPRK government to value and steadily develop the friendly relations with China, which have given steady continuity to the good traditions of unity and cooperation with socialism as their core, overcoming all the tempests of history.

Xi Jinping exchanges messages with Kim Jong Un

Kim Jong Un was re-elected to the post of President of the State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) at the First Session of the 15^th Supreme People’s Assembly on March 22.

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to his DPRK counterpart on March 26, in which he wrote:

“The traditional China-DPRK friendship is a precious asset common to the two countries. It is the consistent and steadfast policy of the Chinese party and government to successfully defend, consolidate and develop the China-DPRK relations.”

In a reply message sent the following day, Kim Jong Un wrote that:

“I am pleased to note that the traditional DPRK-China relations are being put on a new high stage in keeping with the aspiration and desire of the two parties and the peoples of the two countries according to the important agreement reached at the meeting with you in September last year. Steadfast is the stand of our Party and government to continue to develop in depth the DPRK-China relations of friendship and cooperation with socialism as the core.”

The day following his re-election, Kim Jong Un delivered an important speech in which he began by: “Expressing my thanks to the Supreme People’s Assembly for entrusting me again with the sacred mission of representing the DPRK and guiding the overall work of the country, I solemnly pledge to make all sincere efforts to firmly defend the Constitution of our Republic and promote the prosperity and development of the State and the well-being of the people, bearing deep in mind the trust and expectations of all of you.”

In the course of a comprehensive and wide-ranging presentation the DPRK leader made some significant observations bearing on the present international situation, including the following:

“The past decade clearly showed that no objective conditions and circumstances can ever check the advance of a state and people that have turned out in the struggle to shape their future, rallied as one with a firm faith, and that the most correct road to prosperity is to achieve self-reliance and self-sufficiency.

“The hostile forces wanted us to make a different choice, preaching a payment for our giving up of nuclear weapons, but the present situation clearly proves how just the strategic option and decision of our State were in rejecting the enemy’s cajolery and perpetuating our nuclear possession so that it is irreversible…

“Thus, our State has ushered in a new era of achieving security and safeguarding peace with strength, not by any declaration or through any appeal.

Kim Jong Un says ties between China and DPRK will get closer advancing the common cause of socialism

General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) Kim Jong Un sent a reply message to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on March 9, thanking him for his message of greetings on his reelection at the recent Ninth Congress of the WPK.

Kim described Xi’s message as “an expression of support and encouragement to me and all our Party members”, adding:

“It is the unshakable stand of our Party and the government of the Republic to continue to consolidate and develop the traditional DPRK-China friendship in conformity with the requirements of the new era and the aspirations of the peoples of the two countries.

“I believe that the cooperation between the two parties and the two countries will get closer in the future on the road of advancing the common cause of socialism.”

At time of writing, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) has also reported similar reply messages from Kim to To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party.

Meanwhile, on March 12, regular passenger train services were resumed between China and the DPRK.

Reporting this, China Daily noted that on March 10, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said that China and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea are friendly neighbours, and that maintaining regular passenger train operations is important for making travel between the two countries more convenient.

It added that according to China State Railway Group, international passenger train services between Beijing and Pyongyang will run four times a week in both directions — on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays — while services between Dandong in Liaoning province and Pyongyang will operate daily.

The Xinhua News Agency reported on the first service between Dandong and Pyongyang on March 12.

According to the report, Song Ping, a staff member with the Dandong exit-entry frontier inspection station, said authorities had introduced measures to ensure smooth clearance on the first day of operations. The inspection process for the entire train has been shortened to within 30 minutes.

Reporting the train’s arrival in Pyongyang, Xinhua said that the regular service would facilitate cross-border travel and boost economic, trade and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Regular passenger transport between China and the DPRK was suspended early in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Regular air links were restored in 2023.

The following articles were originally published by KCNA, China Daily and the Xinhua News Agency.

Xi Jinping greets Kim Jong Un’s re-election at WPK Congress

Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese President, sent a message of greetings on February 23 to his Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) counterpart Kim Jong Un on his election as General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) during the WPK’s ninth congress.

Xi wrote that the re-election of Comrade Kim Jong Un as General Secretary of the WPK manifests the profound trust and wholehearted support accorded to him from the WPK, government, and the DPRK people. He further expressed the hope that under the strong leadership of the WPK Central Committee headed by Kim Jong Un, the WPK and the people of the DPRK will, taking the momentum of this congress, propel their socialist cause to unprecedented heights.

He added: “China and the DPRK are socialist friendly neighbours committed to mutual assistance and mutual support. To safeguard, solidify, and develop China-DPRK relations has always been the steadfast strategic policy of the Communist Party of the CPC and the Chinese government. In recent years, my multiple meetings with Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the WPK, have effectively steered the positive development of bilateral relations. Confronted with the accelerated global changes unseen in a century and an international landscape fraught with turmoil and uncertainty, I stand ready to collaborate closely with Kim Jong Un… This endeavour will not only advance the work of socialist construction of both nations but also deepen the bonds of friendship and enhance the well-being of our peoples, thereby contributing significantly to the peace, stability, development, and prosperity of the region and the world at large.”

The following articles were originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry and by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Xi Jinping Sends a Congratulatory Message to Kim Jong Un on His Election as General Secretary of WPK

February 23 (MFA) – On February 23, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message to Kim Jong Un, extending warm congratulations on his election as General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) during the Ninth Congress of the WPK.

In his congratulatory message, Xi Jinping stated that since the Eighth Congress of the WPK, the WPK Central Committee headed by Kim Jong Un has united and led the people of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in their dedicated endeavors, continuously achieving new triumphs in the cause of socialist construction of DPRK. The re-election of Comrade Kim Jong Un as General Secretary of the WPK manifests the profound trust and wholehearted support accorded to him from the WPK, government, and the DPRK people. The Ninth Congress of the WPK was held at a pivotal juncture when the WPK and the DPRK are poised to carry forward the past and usher in the future, and its successful convening assumes great significance. It is hoped that under the strong leadership of the WPK Central Committee headed by Kim Jong Un, the WPK and the people of the DPRK will, taking the momentum of this congress, propel their socialist cause to unprecedented heights.

CPC greets 9th congress of Workers’ Party of Korea

The Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) opened on February 19 in Pyongyang, capital of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

That day, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) sent a message of greetings to the congress, noting that the WPK is the strong leadership core of the DPRK’s revolutionary and construction undertakings. The party has long united and led the DPRK people in relentless progress, achieving significant accomplishments in advancing the DPRK’s socialist cause.

“We wish that, under the strong leadership of the WPK Central Committee with General Secretary Kim Jong Un at its helm, the DPRK people will continue to achieve new and greater accomplishments in their socialist construction,” it said.

It added that both China and the DPRK are socialist countries led by communist parties. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the top leaders of both parties and countries, China-DPRK relations have entered a new historical period. The CPC has always placed great importance on developing a friendly and cooperative relationship with the WPK, and is willing to strengthen communication and exchanges with the WPK, deepen the exchange of experience in party-building and state governance, jointly lead the healthy and stable development of China-DPRK relations, and promote the steady and far-reaching advancement of the socialist cause in both countries to contribute to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity.

We reprint below the reports on the message as released by the Xinhua News Agency and the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). We also carry the text of the opening address to the congress delivered by General Secretary Kim Jong Un as carried by KCNA.

China mourns veteran DPRK leader Kim Yong Nam

China expressed its deep condolences on the passing of Kim Yong Nam, former Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Kim, who had also served as the DPRK’s Foreign Minister for many years and was virtually synonymous with his country’s diplomacy, died on November 3, 2025 at the age of 97 from multiple organ failure after battling cancer.

Noting that Kim was an old friend of the Chinese people, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a daily news briefing on November 4, that during his lifetime, Kim had led delegations on many visits to China and made important contributions to promoting the development of the traditional friendly and cooperative relations between China and the DPRK.

An official obituary issued by the DPRK said that:

The life of Kim Yong Nam was a brilliant one in which he was highly honoured for his allegiance to the revolution with pure loyalty and high ability.

He, who left to study abroad in the early days of building a democratic state, returned home in July 1952, when the homeland experienced a fierce war, and devoted himself to training Party cadres at the then Central Party School. He worked at the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) from the mid-1950s to the first half of the 1960s, contributing to enhancing the external prestige of the Party and conducting dynamic work with the progressive forces supporting and encouraging our cause in the international arena.

After working as a Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs for four years, he successively held an important post in the field of international affairs of the Party from September 1967. In the period, he displayed strict principle and high practical ability in the important and difficult work of modeling the whole Party on the revolutionary idea of the leader, exposing and frustrating the moves of the counterrevolutionary forces that left a stain in the history of the world socialist movement and defending the revolutionary character and authority of our Party.

Since 1983, he had conducted dynamic political and diplomatic activities to defend the rights and interests of the dignified DPRK in the international arena for nearly 20 years as a Vice-Premier of the Administration Council and Foreign Minister.

In the days when he devoted all his wisdom and energy to thoroughly implementing the foreign policy of the state with independence, peace and friendship as its main idea, he made a great contribution to expanding the scope of the DPRK’s external relations and creating an environment favorable for socialist construction.

Kim Jong Un pays tribute to Chinese People’s Volunteers on 75th anniversary

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) held solemn commemorations to mark the 75^th anniversary of the entry of the Chinese People’s Volunteers (CPV) into the war known in China as the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea and in the DPRK as the Fatherland Liberation War.

On October 24, Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and President of the State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, visited the Cemetery of the Fallen Soldiers of the Chinese People’s Volunteers in Hoechang County, South Phyongan Province and paid a high tribute to them.

Following the main ceremony, Kim Jong Un visited the grave of Mao Anying, the son of Comrade Mao Zedong, where he placed a flower and paid homage.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) commented: “The faces of the CPV fallen soldiers, who assisted the revolutionary war of our people at the cost of their blood with the spirit of internationalism and the feeling of fraternal friendship, remain deep in the hearts of the peoples of the two countries as a symbol of valuable DPRK-China friendship.

“Our people will never forget the blood shed by the excellent sons and daughters of the Chinese people and their immortal feats even after a lapse of many years and the shift of generations.

“The DPRK-China friendship forged at the cost of blood would powerfully demonstrate its inexhaustible vitality in the sacred struggle to realise the cause of independence against imperialism, the socialist cause, in the future, too.”

Kim Jong Un’s visit was also reported by the Xinhua News Agency.

The following day a further ceremony was held at the Friendship Tower in downtown Pyongyang, which honours the CPV martyrs.

Earlier, on October 22, a ceremony for remodeling the cemetery of fallen fighters of the Chinese People’s Volunteers was held in Sinphyong County, North Hwanghae Province. Among those present were DPRK Vice-Minister of Urban Management Kang Chol Ho, joined by Wang Yajun, Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK, staff members of his embassy, the delegation of the veterans and families of martyrs of the CPV on a visit to the DPRK, Chinese guests staying in the DPRK, and Chinese students and residents in the DPRK.

A delegation of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army led by Xia Zhihe, Political Commissar of the National Defence University of the PLA also visited the DPRK from October 25 to October 28 to take part in commemorative functions.

Functions were also held at the Chinese Embassy in Pyongyang and the DPRK Embassy in Beijing on October 25.

At the reception hosted in Pyongyang by Chinese Ambassador Wang Yajun, speakers referred to the historic significance of the CPV’s entry into the Korean front 75 years ago and the feats of the martyrs of the volunteers who devoted their precious lives to the revolutionary war of the Korean people.

They expressed the will to carry forward the glorious tradition and the great friendship under the strategic guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and two countries and thus open up a more beautiful future of the socialist cause of the two countries and the DPRK-China relations.

At the DPRK embassy in Beijing, speakers paid high tribute to the martyrs and veterans of the Chinese People’s Volunteers who entered the Korean front and fought shoulder to shoulder with the Korean people. They said that looking back on the history of 75 years ago is of great significance in remembering the forerunners and inheriting their spirit.

They expressed the will to promote the traditional DPRK-China friendship on the road of accomplishing the socialist cause, opposing the imperialists’ aggression and hegemony and defending regional peace and security, international fairness and justice.

Korean diplomatic staff also paid tribute at the cemeteries of CPV martyrs in the cities of Shenyang and Dandong, in China’s Liaoning Province.

The following articles were originally published on the website of KCNA. China’s People’s Daily also reported the commemorations.

Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Visits Cemetery of CPV Fallen Soldiers on Occasion of 75th Anniversary of Entry of CPV into Korean Front

Pyongyang, October 25 (KCNA) — Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, visited the Cemetery of the Fallen Soldiers of the Chinese People’s Volunteers in Hoechang County, South Phyongan Province and paid a high tribute to them on Oct. 24 on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the entry of the CPV into the Korean front.

The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un was accompanied by Jo Yong Won, Pak Jong Chon and Kim Tok Hun, secretaries of the Central Committee of the WPK, and Choe Son Hui, foreign minister of the DPRK.

The guard of honor of the Korean People’s Army lined up at the cemetery.

The national anthems of the People’s Republic of China and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea were played.

A flower basket in the name of Kim Jong Un and the flower baskets in the names of the Central Committee of the WPK and the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK were laid before the cemetery.

Kim Jong Un paid a silent tribute in memory of the CPV fallen soldiers.

Then, he visited the grave of Mao Anying at the cemetery.

He placed a flower before the grave and paid homage.

The faces of the CPV fallen soldiers, who assisted the revolutionary war of our people at the cost of their blood with the spirit of internationalism and the feeling of fraternal friendship, remain deep in the hearts of the peoples of the two countries as a symbol of valuable DPRK-China friendship.

Our people will never forget the blood shed by the excellent sons and daughters of the Chinese people and their immortal feats even after a lapse of many years and the shift of generations.

The DPRK-China friendship forged at the cost of blood would powerfully demonstrate its inexhaustible vitality in the sacred struggle to realize the cause of independence against imperialism, the socialist cause, in the future, too.

Premier Li Qiang joins celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea in Pyongyang

The Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), the ruling party in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), celebrated its 80^th founding anniversary on October 10.

Congratulating his Korean counterpart Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the WPK, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), wrote that over the past 80 years, the WPK has united and led the people of the DPRK to forge ahead and overcome difficulties, making impressive achievements in advancing their socialist cause.

In recent years, Comrade General Secretary has led the Party and people of the DPRK to work relentlessly to strengthen party building, develop the economy and improve people’s livelihood, he said.

Xi wished that under the strong leadership of the WPK headed by Comrade General Secretary, the socialist cause of the DPRK will continue to achieve new accomplishments, and the country will greet the successful convening of the WPK’s 9th Congress.

Noting that both China and the DPRK are socialist countries led by communist parties, Xi said that in recent years, he has held multiple meetings with Kim to guide and steer the development of relations between the two parties and two countries, opening a new chapter in the China-DPRK friendship.

Xi also recalled Kim’s recent visit to China to attend the commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, during which the two leaders had in-depth discussions and charted the course for further developing the friendly and cooperative relations between China and the DPRK.

No matter how the international situation changes, it remains the unwavering policy of the CPC and the Chinese government to maintain, consolidate and develop China-DPRK relations, Xi noted.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, led a delegation of the Chinese party and government to attend the celebrations in the DPRK capital Pyongyang.

Upon arrival on October 9, Li said that China and the DPRK, as socialist neighbours connected by mountains and rivers, enjoy a profound traditional friendship.

In recent years, under the strategic guidance and personal efforts of General Secretary Xi Jinping and General Secretary Kim Jong Un, China-DPRK relations have been brimming with new dynamism and vitality, he said.

In September, General Secretary Kim came to China to attend the commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War and the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries held another successful meeting and reached a series of important consensus, charting the course for the development of bilateral relations.

Li Qiang met with Kim Jong Un the same day.

According to the Xinhua News Agency, the Chinese premier said that China is ready to work with the DPRK to further carry forward their traditional friendship, deepen practical cooperation, and closely coordinate and cooperate in international and regional affairs.

Li also called on the two sides to strengthen multilateral collaboration, firmly safeguard and practice multilateralism, and promote the development of the international order in a more just and equitable direction.

Kim asked Li to convey his sincere greetings and best wishes to General Secretary Xi and warmly welcomed the Chinese party and government delegation to the DPRK for the celebratory event, noting that under General Secretary Xi’s wise leadership, China has achieved tremendous accomplishments in socialist construction.

DPRK foreign minister: Consolidating and developing relations with China is an unwavering stance

Foreign Minister of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Choe Son Hui visited China from September 27 to 30 at the invitation of her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. This visit followed on closely from that paid by top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un, September 2-4, to participate in the commemoration of the 80^th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Choe had also accompanied Kim Jong Un on that visit.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Choe on the morning of September 29.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, he said that China and the DPRK are neighbours connected by mountains and rivers, and share a time-honoured, ever-growing and profound friendship across generations. Earlier this month, General Secretary Xi Jinping held a meeting with General Secretary Kim Jong Un in Beijing, reaching important common understandings on deepening and developing China-DPRK friendly and cooperative relations. China has always viewed and advanced the development of China-DPRK relations from a strategic and long-term perspective. China is ready to work with the DPRK to implement the common understandings reached by the top leaders of the two Parties and two countries, further promote traditional friendship, strengthen strategic communication, and jointly advance the socialist cause of both countries for the greater benefit of the two peoples.

Choe Son Hui said that the recent meaningful and fruitful meeting between the top leaders of the two Parties and two countries has charted the course for the development of DPRK-China relations. Consolidating and developing relations with China is an unwavering stance of the DPRK and serves the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples. She sincerely wishes China’s continuous and new achievements on the path toward advancing modernisation and national rejuvenation under the wise leadership of General Secretary Xi Jinping.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) added that Choe Son Hui said that the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un had a significant meeting and talks with General Secretary Xi Jinping days ago and reached an agreement on revitalising high-level visits between the two sides. She stressed that it is the invariable stand of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) and the government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to further develop the traditional DPRK-China relations of friendship and cooperation as required by the times.

She also referred to the struggle of the DPRK people who are making all efforts to successfully greet the Ninth Congress of the WPK after definitely concluding all the undertakings planned for this year, the last year of implementing the five-year plan for national economic development.

Kim Jong Un’s first China visit in six years draws world attention

The top leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Kim Jong Un visited Beijing, September 2-4, to participate in the commemoration of the 80^th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. His first visit to China in six years drew extraordinary global attention, not least due to the high levels of protocol and hospitality extended by the Chinese side. Kim Jong Un joined Russian President Vladimir Putin in flanking Chinese President Xi Jinping on the rostrum of Tienanmen Square, denoting their status as the chief guests among 26 heads of state and government, as well as senior representatives of dozens of nations and international organisations. It was also the first occasion for Kim Jong Un to participate in this type of multilateral gathering of world leaders and the first time for a DPRK leader to review a military parade in China since founding President Kim Il Sung participated in the 1959 tenth anniversary celebrations of the founding of the People’s Republic.

Arriving in the afternoon of September 2, Kim Jong Un was greeted at Beijing Railway Station by Cai Qi, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and member of the Secretariat and Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, Yin Yong, Mayor of Beijing, and other senior officials.

On the evening of September 4, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and President Xi Jinping held talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) and President of the State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un.

Xi Jinping noted that China and the DPRK are good neighbours, good friends and good comrades who have shared weal and woe and helped each other in time of need. The friendship between China and the DPRK has a long history. Both countries are socialist countries led by communist parties, having common ideals, convictions and aspirations.

Xi Jinping extended congratulations on the (October 10) 80th anniversary of the founding of the WPK and stressed that China is going all out to build a great modern socialist country in all respects and pursue national rejuvenation through a Chinese path to modernisation, while the DPRK has kept making new progress in developing socialism. The CPC and the Chinese government attach great importance to the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK, and stand ready to maintain, consolidate and develop China-DPRK relations. No matter how the international landscape may evolve, this position will stay unchanged. China will continue to support the DPRK in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions and opening new grounds in advancing the DPRK’s socialist cause. China will work with the DPRK to step up high-level exchanges and strategic communication, strengthen exchanges of experience in governance of Party and state affairs, deepen mutual understanding and friendship, promote closer interactions at all levels, and advance practical cooperation across the board.

China and DPRK jointly celebrate the 80th anniversary of victory over Japanese imperialism

China and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) have jointly marked the 80^th anniversary of the victory of the war to resist aggression and the world anti-fascist war with a number of events.

The Chinese Embassy in the DPRK capital Pyongyang organised a reception on August 20. The Xinhua News Agency reported that among the guests present were Choe Ryong Hae, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), First Vice-President of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK, and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the DPRK, and DPRK Culture Minister Sung Jong Gyu.

Reporting the speech delivered by Chinese Ambassador Wang Yajun, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said that he noted that, “the China-DPRK friendship was provided in the flames of the bloody revolutionary struggle, [and] stressed that Comrade Kim Il Sung, the great leader of the Korean people and a close friend of the Chinese people, made a great contribution to the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression by waging a death-defying struggle with the Japanese aggressors, together with the Northeast Anti-Japanese Allied Army.

“It is the steadfast policy of the Chinese party and government to successfully defend, consolidate and develop the traditional China-DPRK friendship at all times, he said, expressing the readiness to thoroughly implement the important common understanding made by the top leaders of China and the DPRK and thus advance the socialist cause of the two countries and to make contribution to the happiness of the peoples of the two countries and global peace and stability.”

His speech was followed by that from DPRK Culture Minister Sung Jong Gyu, who paid high tribute to the forerunners of the two countries who sacrificed their youth and lives without hesitation in the sacred anti-Japanese war, and said that the victory in the anti-Japanese war was a world historic event that brought to a close the Second World War with the victory of the world anti-fascist democratic forces and made a great contribution to form a main current with independence and peace in international relations.

He said that the DPRK will make joint efforts together with the Chinese comrades to steadily develop the friendly and cooperative relations forged on the road of accomplishing the cause of anti-imperialist independence and socialism true to the noble intention of the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries.

The website of the Chinese Embassy in Pyongyang carried the full text of both speeches.

It quoted Ambassador Wang Yajun as stating:

“The traditional friendship between China and the DPRK was forged in the revolutionary struggle of blood and fire. More than 80 years ago, the military and civilians of the two countries shared the same hatred and dealt a heavy blow to the Japanese invaders. Many people with lofty ideals in Korea went to China to carry out the anti-Japanese struggle, which received strong support from the Chinese people and inspired the fighting spirit of the Chinese people. In particular, Comrade Kim Il Sung, the great leader of the Korean people and a close friend of the Chinese people, fought to the death against the Japanese invaders together with the Northeast Anti-Japanese Allied Army of China, not only making immortal contributions to the liberation of Korea, but also making important contributions to the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Comrade Kim Il Sung once fondly recalled the days when he was with his comrades-in-arms of the Northeast Anti-Japanese Alliance, saying that he had ‘stablished a deep friendship’ and that ‘the scene of that year is still fresh in his memory’.

“I would like to reiterate that safeguarding, consolidating and developing the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK has always been the unswerving policy of the Chinese Party and government. China is willing to work with the DPRK to resolutely implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, develop the traditional friendly and cooperative relations between China and the DPRK, promote the steady and far-reaching socialist cause of the two countries, benefit the two peoples, and promote regional and world peace and stability.”

Chinese and Russian diplomats celebrate anti-fascist victory in DPRK

Chinese and Russian diplomats in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) jointly commemorated the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War on July 31.

Chinese Ambassador Wang Yajun said that 80 years ago, China and the Soviet Union fought side by side and supported each other, won the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the Great Patriotic War on their respective battlefields, and made significant historical contributions to the victory of the world anti-fascist war. In May this year, President Xi Jinping attended a celebration commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union in the Great Patriotic War. In September, President Putin will also attend the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

Russian Ambassador Alexander Matsegora congratulated the Chinese people on the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, saying that the Russian and Chinese peoples made the greatest sacrifices in the European and Pacific theatres respectively and played a decisive role in the struggle to defeat German Nazism and Japanese militarism.

The following article was originally published in Chinese on the website of the Chinese Embassy in the DPRK and has been machine translated.

On July 31, 2025, Ambassador Wang Yajun and Russian Ambassador to the DPRK Matsegora led diplomats from the Chinese and Russian embassies in the DPRK in a friendly exchange event to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The event was attended by Minister Feng Chuntai of the Chinese Embassy in the DPRK, Defense Attaché Major General Wang Yisheng, Counsellor Gao Wu, and Counsellor Xu Feng, as well as Minister Counsellor Topeha, Defense Attaché Major General Batusov, and Political Counselor Shutov of the Russian Embassy in the DPRK.

Ambassador Wang stated that 80 years ago, China and the Soviet Union fought side by side and supported each other, achieving victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the Great Patriotic War on their respective fronts, making significant historical contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. In May of this year, President Xi Jinping attended the celebrations commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War. In September, President Putin will also attend the commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. China is willing to work with Russia, guided by the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, to remember history, cherish the memory of the martyrs, promote a correct view of World War II history, safeguard the achievements of World War II and the post-war international order, and uphold international fairness and justice and regional peace and stability.

Ambassador Matsegora congratulated the Chinese people on the 80th anniversary of the victory of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. He stated that the Russian and Chinese peoples made the greatest sacrifices in the European and Pacific theaters, respectively, and played a decisive role in defeating German Nazism and Japanese militarism. Russia has always advocated peace and hopes to create a peaceful and stable environment for economic development and improving people’s livelihoods. The international community should work together to build a just and peaceful international order and ensure equal rights for all nations and peoples.

The two sides jointly watched a video commemorating the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the victory of Russia’s Great Patriotic War. Chinese and Russian diplomats respectively recited the poem “The Eternal Torch” and sang the song “Blood Type” to express their remembrance of history and their cherishment of peace.

DPRK honours Chinese internationalists on war anniversary

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) celebrated the 72^nd anniversary of victory in the Fatherland Liberation War on July 27. This was the date when an armistice agreement was signed ending the fighting that had raged on the Korean peninsula since June 25, 1950.

General Mark Clark, the US commander, admitted that: “In carrying out the instructions of my government, I gained the unenviable distinction of being the first United States commander in history to sign an armistice without victory.”

Malcolm X, the African-American revolutionary leader, said: “Any time Uncle Sam, with all his machinery for warfare, is held to a draw by some rice eaters, he’s lost the battle.” In his ‘The Ballot or the Bullet’ (April 12, 1964), Malcolm noted in his inimitable style:

“Why some rice farmers, some rice farmers, some rice eaters ran him out of Korea. Yes, they ran him out of Korea. Rice eaters with nothing but gym shoes, and a rifle, and a bowl of rice took him and his tanks and his napalm, and all that other action he’s supposed to have and ran him across the Yalu.”

DPRK top leader Kim Jong Un participated in a number of functions to mark this year’s anniversary.

On July 26, he visited the Friendship Tower, which stands in the centre of the capital Pyongyang and honours the martyrs of the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army, who gave their lives in what is known in China as the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea.

Presenting a wreath, Kim Jong Un said that we will never forget the combat feats and merits of the fallen fighters of the Chinese People’s Volunteers recorded in the history of the great victory in the Fatherland Liberation War.

The previous day, Chinese Ambassador Wang Yajun led a large team to visit the Chinese Volunteers Martyrs’ Cemetery in North Pyongan Province.

The administrator of the DPRK cemetery gave a briefing on the restoration and protection of the martyrs’ tombs and said that President Kim Il Sung had instructed that the cemetery should be built in a beautiful place and at a time of commemorative significance. On important holidays, the DPRK people come to pay their respects to the martyrs of the volunteers. As a member of the younger generation, I have been taught by the DPRK Party and government since I was a child that the traditional friendship between the DPRK and China is unbreakable, and I will continue to do my best to maintain and manage the cemetery and contribute to the inheritance of the DPRK-China friendship.

Ambassador Wang thanked the DPRK Party and Government for attaching importance to the restoration and protection of the martyrs’ tombs of the Chinese People’s Volunteers and said that the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK is cemented with blood and is a precious wealth shared by both sides. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Chinese People’s Volunteers going abroad to fight to resist US aggression and aid Korea, and it is believed that under the strategic guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK will surely achieve greater development and make greater contributions to safeguarding regional peace and benefiting the two peoples.

The same day, the ambassador visited Pyeoncheon City, South Pyongan Province to pay tribute to the martyrs of the volunteers who died in the Songgu Peak Blockade.

The DPRK personnel gave a detailed account of the situation in the Songgu Peak Blockade Battle, and said that the Chinese People’s Volunteers held high the banner of resisting US aggression and aiding Korea and defending the homeland and the country, united with the DPRK army and people, fought together, and defended the DPRK as if it were their own motherland. It was precisely this spirit that turned into a shield to resist aggression and a sharp sword for launching an attack, and more than 100 officers and men of the Chinese Volunteers were able to resist the repeated attacks of the US military and the wanton and indiscriminate bombardment of aircraft and artillery and fight until the last moment. The Korean people will always remember the great sacrifices of the Chinese People’s Volunteers.

Ambassador Wang said that the Chinese People’s Volunteers fought side by side with the DPRK military and civilians, braved hardships and dangers, made great sacrifices, and made indelible and important contributions to the victory of the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea. We must pass on the spirit of Songgufeng from generation to generation, continue to consolidate and develop the friendship between China and the DPRK, work together to overcome challenges, and contribute to the socialist construction of the two countries and regional peace and stability.

Previously, on July 22, the Chinese Embassy in Pyongyang held a reception to celebrate the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.

On behalf of all officers and men of the Korean People’s Army, Deputy Director Pak Yong Il warmly congratulated the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, saying that the DPRK and Chinese armies have joined hands to resist the imperialist invaders in many wars and fought side by side in the same trenches, creating a shining example of friendship and unity. The DPRK is willing to work with China to provide a solid guarantee for the development of friendly relations between them and of the great cause of socialism in the two countries in accordance with the lofty will of the two parties.

On July 18, Ambassador Wang led diplomats from his embassy to visit the Chongsang-ri Cooperative Farm near Nampo City. This is the most famous farm in the DPRK as the country’s founding leader Kim Il Sung visited it a total of 91 times and put forward the basic principles for guiding the development of socialist agriculture and rural development in the DPRK, known as the ‘Chongsan-ri spirit’ and the ‘Chongsang-ri method’.

China and DPRK mark treaty anniversary

The 64th anniversary of the signing of the China-DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance was celebrated in Pyongyang and Beijing on July 8^th and 10^th respectively.

The Xinhua News Agency reported that, addressing the reception held at his embassy, Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK Wang Yajun said that the treaty embodies the friendship the two peoples built with their blood in the process of resisting foreign aggression and striving for national independence and liberation and lays a solid legal and political foundation for the long-term development of bilateral relations.

He added that at the moment when changes in the global landscape unseen in a century are going deeper, highlighted by intertwined chaos and ever emerging risks and challenges, it is of great significance to well implement the spirit of the treaty and well develop bilateral ties.

In his address at the event, Kang Yun Sok, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the DPRK, said that the bilateral treaty lays a solid legal foundation for the continuous consolidation and development of the friendly and cooperative relations between the DPRK and China amid any changes and challenges.

The DPRK-China friendship was jointly forged by the two countries’ older generations of leadership in striving to fight imperialism, achieve independence and build socialism, he said, noting that it is the DPRK’s unwavering stance to pass on and deepen the friendship with China from generation to generation.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) also carried a report on the reception.

China’s People’s Daily reported that Wang Dongming, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), attended a reception on July 10 to commemorate the 64th anniversary of the signing of the treaty hosted by DPRK Ambassador to China Ri Yong Nam.

KCNA noted the large number of Chinese institutions who participated in the reception.

On July 11, People’s Daily carried a commentary saying that: “On July 11, 1961, Premier Zhou Enlai and Prime Minister Kim Il Sung jointly signed the Sino-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Beijing. This important document has laid a political and legal foundation for the development of friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries and embodies the common desire of the two sides to inherit and carry forward the traditional friendship and safeguard regional peace.

It added: “In recent years, General Secretary Xi Jinping and General Secretary Kim Jong Un have maintained close exchanges and interactions through various forms, leading and promoting the traditional friendly and cooperative relations between China and the DPRK into a new historical period. China and the DPRK have adhered to the original aspiration of friendship for generations, strengthened strategic communication, exchanges and cooperation, firmly supported each other, and safeguarded the common interests of the two countries, fully demonstrating the unbreakable and vigorous vitality of the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK.”

Under the leadership of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) headed by General Secretary Kim Jong Un, it continued, the DPRK people have actively implemented the spirit of the previous plenary sessions of the Central Committee of the WPK and comprehensively promoted all work of socialist construction. As a good comrade and good neighbour, the Chinese side sincerely wishes that the fraternal DPRK people will continue to make new and greater achievements in the cause of socialist construction.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. During the arduous war years, the peoples of China and the DPRK supported each other, fought side by side, and made important contributions to the just cause of humanity. It is the firm stand of the Chinese party and government to maintain, consolidate and develop China-DPRK relations.

The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency and People’s Daily. The People’s Daily commentary was published in Chinese and has been machine translated.

Chinese embassy marks 64th anniversary of signing of China-DPRK friendship treaty

PYONGYANG, July 10 (Xinhua) — The Chinese Embassy in Pyongyang on Wednesday held a reception to commemorate the 64th anniversary of the signing of the China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance.

Over 130 diplomats and officials from both sides attended the event.

Addressing the reception, Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK Wang Yajun said the bilateral treaty is a document of historical significance as well as a monument marking the friendship between China and the DPRK.

China and DPRK support dialogue between civilisations

The Chinese Embassy in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) held a reception for the first International Day for Dialogue among Civilisations on June 17.

In June 2024, the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution initiated by China and more than 80 other countries, which declares June 10 the International Day for Dialogue among Civilisations.

Addressing the reception, Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK Wang Yajun underscored the significance of dialogue among civilizations in lighting up the path to peace and development for the humankind, adding that the pursuit of peace and development is a historical trend and common aspiration of peoples across the world.

DPRK Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son Gyong said that the diversity of civilisations, as a result of long-time evolution in history, deserves respect, and that the acts of recklessly pursuing geopolitical interests, inciting conflict and antagonism among civilisations, and obstructing world peace and development, should be flatly rejected.

China’s initiative to establish the International Day for Dialogue among Civilisations is an important contribution to advancing exchanges and cooperation among nations and civilisations and building a just international order.

Kim added that deepening the traditional friendly ties between the DPRK and China has been a consistent stance of the Workers’ Party of Korea and the government of the DPRK, and the DPRK side is ready to work with the Chinese side to safeguard the common interests of developing countries and pursue true internationalism.

The following article was originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

PYONGYANG, June 18 (Xinhua) — The Chinese Embassy in Pyongyang on Tuesday held a reception for the first International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, aiming to boost dialogue for a better world.

Present at the event were Kim Son Gyong, vice minister of foreign affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), other DPRK officials from the foreign and culture ministries, as well as diplomats from various countries.

Addressing the reception, Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK Wang Yajun said civilizations are beautiful and complementary for diversity, and harmonious for exchanges.

Wang underscored the significance of dialogue among civilizations in lighting up the path to peace and development for the humankind, adding that the pursuit of peace and development is a historical trend and common aspiration of peoples across the world.

He urged the international community to jointly uphold the equality among civilizations, practice exchanges of civilizations and enhance the progress of civilizations, in a bid to build a better future for mankind.

Kim, the DPRK vice foreign minister, said in his address that the diversity of civilizations, as a result of long-time evolution in history, deserves respect, and that the acts of recklessly pursuing geopolitical interests, inciting conflict and antagonism among civilizations, and obstructing world peace and development, should be flatly rejected.

China’s initiative to establish the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations is an important contribution to advancing exchanges and cooperation among nations and civilizations, and building a just international order, Kim said.

Deepening the traditional friendly ties between the DPRK and China has been a consistent stance of the Workers’ Party of Korea and the government of the DPRK, Kim said, adding that the DPRK side is ready to work with the Chinese side to safeguard the common interests of developing countries and pursue true internationalism.

An unexpected friendly encounter: Ambassador Wang Yajun pays tribute to veteran artists from the DPRK

The following article, which was originally published on the website of the Chinese Embassy in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), relates how Ambassador Wang Yajun and his staff members visited the fine arts exhibition in the capital Pyongyang held in honour of April 15’s 113^th birth anniversary of the DPRK’s founding leader Kim Il Sung.

To his surprise, he met there with two old artists in their 90s from the Korean People’s Army. They fought side by side with the Chinese People’s Volunteers more than 70 years ago and have a special bond with the Chinese people.

92-year-old Korean People’s Artist Li Lushan said that he had participated in many major battles, such as blocking the US Army’s Incheon Landing. In 1951, he was seriously injured, and it was the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army that sent him to Changchun, Jilin for treatment. During that time, the Chinese people selflessly donated blood for him and took great care of him. It was China and the Chinese people who gave him a second life.

Cui Shigen, a 90-year-old painter from the Songhua Academy of Fine Arts in the DPRK, said that the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army soldiers had visited his home and encouraged him by patting his shoulders when they heard that he was going to join the army. Later, he fought with the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army on the Eastern Front and participated in post-war reconstruction. At a celebration party, he also created portraits of Chairman Kim Il Sung and Chairman Mao Zedong, which were highly praised by the army leaders and soldiers.

The article noted that the two artists are not only household names in the DPRK. Their work is also very popular in China.

Ambassador Wang paid tribute to the two veteran artists for their contributions to national independence, development and China-DPRK friendship, wished them good health and longevity, and said that through their works, he felt the great love of the Korean people for their national leaders. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea. “I believe that under the leadership of the Workers’ Party of Korea headed by General Secretary Kim Jong Un, the Korean people will surely achieve greater success in the journey of creating a new era of national comprehensive rejuvenation. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the Chinese People’s Volunteers’ participation in the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea. I believe that under the strategic guidance of General Secretary Xi Jinping and General Secretary Kim Jog Un, the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK, which was forged with blood, will surely be inherited and developed, and will continue to move to a higher level, benefiting the people of the two countries.”

The article was published in Chinese and has been machine translated.

In early spring of April, the “Exhibition of Fine Arts by Veteran Artists in Memory of the 113th Anniversary of the Birth of Chairman Kim Il Sung” was grandly held at the Pyongyang International Cultural Center. On the 20th, Ambassador Wang Yajun of the Chinese Embassy in North Korea and his delegation visited the exhibition.

In the exhibition hall, oil paintings such as “Mangyongdae Residence” and “Spring in Mt. Paektu” vividly show Chairman Kim Il Sung’s revolutionary career and glorious achievements in his dedication to the independence and prosperity of North Korea and the happiness of the people. Korean paintings such as “Golden Autumn” and “In a Greenhouse Benefiting the People’s Livelihood” reflect from multiple angles the fruitful results achieved by General Secretary Kim Jong Un in leading the North Korean people to create a new era of national comprehensive rejuvenation. In addition, there are many exquisite works that vividly present the unique and beautiful natural scenery of North Korea.

What Ambassador Wang and his delegation did not expect was that there were many famous old North Korean artists participating in the exhibition. Among them, two old painters in their 90s were from the People’s Army. They fought side by side with the Chinese People’s Volunteers more than 70 years ago and have a special bond with the Chinese people.

92-year-old Korean People’s Artist Li Lushan said that he had participated in many major battles, such as blocking the US Army’s Incheon Landing. In 1951, he was seriously injured and it was the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army that sent him to Changchun, Jilin for treatment. During that time, the Chinese people selflessly donated blood for him and took great care of him. It was China and the Chinese people who gave him a second life.

Cui Shigen, a 90-year-old painter from the Songhua Academy of Fine Arts in North Korea, said that the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army soldiers had visited his home and encouraged him by patting his shoulders when they heard that he was going to join the army. Later, he fought with the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army on the Eastern Front and participated in post-war reconstruction. At a celebration party, he also created portraits of Chairman Kim Il-sung and Chairman Mao Zedong, which were highly praised by the army leaders and soldiers. When he was moved, Cui Shigen sang the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army Song in Chinese with Ambassador Wang and his entourage. The sincere and friendly atmosphere deeply touched everyone at the scene.

Today, the two old artists are not only household names in North Korea, but their Korean paintings and oil paintings are also very popular in China.

Ambassador Wang paid tribute to the two veteran artists for their contributions to national independence, development and China-DPRK friendship, wished them good health and longevity, and said that through the affectionate works, he felt the great love of the Korean people for their national leaders. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea. I believe that under the leadership of the Workers’ Party of Korea headed by General Secretary Kim Jong-un, the Korean people will surely achieve greater success in the journey of creating a new era of national comprehensive rejuvenation. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the Chinese People’s Volunteers’ participation in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. I believe that under the strategic guidance of General Secretary Xi Jinping and General Secretary Kim Jong-un, the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK, which was forged with blood, will surely be inherited and developed, and will continue to move to a higher level, benefiting the people of the two countries and making greater contributions to maintaining regional peace.

China-DPRK friendship will continue to strengthen and develop

The following article, which was originally published on the website of the Foreign Ministry of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), on March 25, 2025, recalls the seventh anniversary of the first visit to China by the country’s top leader Kim Jong Un at the invitation of Xi Jinping, March 25-28, 2018.

It notes that Xi Jinping, “organised a special luncheon at Yangyuanzhai of the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, the very place where President Kim Il Sung had shared friendly feelings with the preceding leaders of China and strengthened friendly ties with Comrade Kim Jong Un in a family atmosphere.”

Xi Jinping said that the traditional China-DPRK friendship is a unique one forged by blood, and it provides the two parties and the peoples of the two countries with happiness.

For his part, Kim Jong Un expressed his will to develop onto a new higher level the DPRK-China friendly relationship which was formed in the course of the sacred joint struggle for the socialist cause and which has maintained its original character despite all ordeals of history.

Seven years ago from now, respected Comrade Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) and President of the State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), made his first historic visit to China from March 25 to 28, 2018, on invitation by Comrade Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President of the People’s Republic of China.

During the period, Comrade Xi Jinping, who received respected Comrade Kim Jong Un as the most important state guest, accorded cordial hospitality with utmost sincerity. He organized a special luncheon at Yangyuanzhai of the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, the very place where President Kim Il Sung had shared friendly feelings with the preceding leaders of China, and strengthened friendly ties with Comrade Kim Jong Un in a family atmosphere.

In his speech made at a grand banquet arranged in welcome of respected Comrade Kim Jong Un’s visit to China, Comrade Xi Jinping said that the traditional China-DPRK friendship is a unique one forged by blood, and it provides the two Parties and the peoples of the two countries with happiness, just as a luxuriant tree with deep roots and a never-drying spring. He also underlined the need for both sides to value, safeguard and glorify the friendship – the precious asset common to the two countries.

Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un, in turn, warmly congratulated Comrade Xi Jinping on his re-election as the president of the state. He expressed the steadfast will of the WPK and the DPRK government to develop onto a new higher level the DPRK-China friendly relationship which was formed in the course of the sacred joint struggle for the socialist cause and which has maintained its original character despite all ordeals of history, true to the noble intentions of the preceding leaders.

The first historic visit to China made by respected Comrade Kim Jong Un opened a brilliant chapter in the chronicles of the DPRK-China friendship. It served as a noteworthy event which provided a radical milestone in expanding and developing onto a new higher platform the time-honored friendly relations shared by the DPRK and China.

Thanks to the wise leadership of the leaders of the two Parties and the two countries, the traditional relations of friendship and cooperation between the DPRK and China will continue to strengthen and develop in the course for accomplishment of the common cause for dynamically promoting socialist construction, providing the peoples of the two countries with material well-being and safeguarding global peace and regional security.

Strengthening, developing friendship with China consistent position of DPRK

It is a consistent position of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to follow the lofty wills of the top leaders of the two parties and countries and continuously strengthen and develop friendly relations between the DPRK and China, according to the DPRK’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Pak Myong Ho. He was speaking at a February 18 meeting with Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK Wang Yajun.

Wishing further success to the socialist construction in the two countries, Pak added that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) and the last year to implement the five-year plan put forward by the WPK’s 8th Congress, and it is also the final year of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan.

For his part, Wang said that the Chinese party, government and people have always cherished the friendship between China and the DPRK forged by previous generations of leaders of the two countries, adding that it has always been China’s unswerving policy to maintain, consolidate and develop China-DPRK traditional friendly and cooperative relations.

The following article was originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

BEIJING, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) — It is a consistent position of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to follow the lofty wills of the top leaders of the two parties and countries and continuously strengthen and develop friendly relations between the DPRK and China, the DPRK’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Pak Myong Ho has said.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) and the last year to implement the five-year plan put forward by the WPK’s 8th Congress, and it is also the final year of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, Pak said while meeting with Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK Wang Yajun at the Chinese embassy on Tuesday.

Pak hoped that the two countries will continue to make new and greater achievements in socialist construction, and the two sides will strengthen exchanges and cooperation to promote DPRK-China relations to a higher level.

For his part, Wang said that over the past year, China-DPRK relations have made new progress under the personal care and strategic guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and countries.

The Chinese party, government and people have always cherished the friendship between China and the DPRK forged by previous generations of leaders of the two countries, Wang said, adding that it has always been China’s unswerving policy to maintain, consolidate and develop China-DPRK traditional friendly and cooperative relations.

In the new year, China is ready to work with the DPRK to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and countries, follow the trend of the times and the wills of the two peoples, strengthen strategic communication, deepen practical cooperation, and push for new and greater development of China-DPRK relations, so as to better benefit the two peoples and make greater contributions to regional and world peace and stability, the Chinese ambassador said.

People power crushes South Korean president’s martial law order

In the following article, originally published by the US online journal People’s World, its Managing Editor, CJ Atkins outlines the abortive coup staged December 2-3 by Yoon Suk Yeol, the hard right President of the Republic of Korea (ROK), an incident that carries major ramifications for the entire region and not least for China.

Atkins notes that, “A combination of instant mass street protests, a united parliamentary opposition, and the threat of a nationwide general strike by Korea’s working class snuffed out the attempted return to military rule.”

He analyses in some detail how Yoon’s desperate move came against the backdrop of a steadily mounting class struggle in the face of his anti-working class, anti-women and anti-communist agenda, along with the pervasive stench of corruption surrounding himself, his wife and his political allies.

According to Atkins: “By the time he made the decision to declare martial law on December 3, Yoon essentially had only the arm – and the United States – at his side.

“Alongside 30,000 troops, the US has long stationed nuclear weapons in South Korea, ostensibly as a deterrent against North Korea but in practice also aimed at China. Under Yoon, the arrangement has been beefed up, with US nuclear-armed submarines now docking regularly in South Korean ports and nuclear-capable bombers poised to strike from South Korean airfields. He and his defense officials have even mused about South Korea developing its own nuclear weapons.

“Tying South Korea even tighter into the anti-China coalition has been one of the key foreign policy achievements of the outgoing Biden administration. Winning the American-Japanese-Korean (JAROKUS) trilateral pact, the US-led military alliance aimed at China, was largely credited to Yoon. He dropped South Korea’s longstanding reparations request against Japan for war crimes committed during World War II.

“Helping advance US imperial interests in East Asia earned Yoon praise and strong support from Biden. In February, US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell claimed Yoon deserved the Nobel Peace Prize, and a short time later, the White House social media team blasted out a gushing video of Yoon singing ‘American Pie’ at a state dinner.

“Yoon’s contempt for democracy and his anti-people policies were already well known in Washington when he was being lauded as such a wonderful ally; no one can claim they didn’t know of his dictatorial proclivities or corruption.”

In conclusion, he writes that:

“While the fallout from Yoon’s coup attempt certainly won’t dislodge South Korea from its firm place in the US imperial orbit, his likely departure from the political scene will rob US imperialism of its key man in Seoul. It’s not clear who might eventually succeed him or whether they will be as keen to continue his belligerent anti-North Korea stance, willingness to buddy up to Japan, or eagerness to pack the Korean peninsula with more nuclear weapons.”

The chaos in Korea—like the genocide in Gaza and the stalemated war in Ukraine—stands as one more item on the list of crises that the Biden administration will leave behind as its foreign policy legacy.

Declaring “emergency martial law” on Tuesday, South Korea’s conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol—known domestically as “K-Trump”—said he was shutting down democracy to combat what he called “shameless pro-North Korean” forces who were “plotting rebellion” and threatening the state.

Less than 48 hours later, however, the president’s coup collapsed, nearly his entire cabinet resigned, and he looked set to only barely survive an impeachment vote (but even that is not guaranteed). A combination of instant mass street protests, a united parliamentary opposition, and the threat of a nationwide general strike by Korea’s working class snuffed out the attempted return to military rule.

Though Yoon’s ditching of democracy and the overwhelming show of people power both caught the world by surprise, the martial law declaration actually capped a crisis that has been building in South Korea for the past few years.

Concentrating mostly on the president’s anti-North Korea foreign policy stances, much of the mainstream corporate media is missing the fuller story here, which is that Yoon’s coup is a sign of the sharpening class struggle in South Korea and poses new uncertainties for U.S. imperial strategy in East Asia.

Remains of 43 Chinese Korean War martyrs returned to China

On November 28, the remains of 43 Chinese People’s Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who died during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China from the Republic of Korea (ROK). A Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force plane carried the remains of the fallen soldiers and 495 of their personal effects from Incheon International Airport in the ROK to Taoxian International Airport in Shenyang, capital of northeast China’s Liaoning Province.

After the ROK handed over the martyrs’ remains and belongings to the Chinese side, China held a memorial ceremony at Incheon International Airport, during which the Chinese national anthem was played, and each casket was draped with the national flag. Attendees bowed three times to the martyrs before their remains were placed onto the plane.

From 2014-2023, China and the ROK, in accordance with international laws and humanitarian principles, successfully completed 10 consecutive handovers involving the remains of 938 CPV martyrs, along with related artifacts.

The Korean War broke out in June 1950, eight months after the People’s Republic of China was founded. At the request of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Chinese ground forces under the CPV banner entered the Korean peninsula on October 19, 1950. A total of 2.9 million CPV soldiers joined the war that lasted almost three years and more than 360,000 were killed or injured.

Describing the atmosphere surrounding the martyrs’ return, the Xinhua News Agency reported:

“The flight from Incheon to Shenyang lasted about an hour and 20 minutes, but for many of the martyrs, this journey home spanned almost seven decades. In the past few days the city of Shenyang has been decorated with slogans that read ‘welcome back, our heroes’.

“As the Y-20 military transport aircraft prepared to land at Shenyang airport, the air traffic control tower transmitted a heartfelt message: ‘The mountains and rivers remain intact, our country is prosperous, and our military is strong. With the utmost respect, we welcome the loyal martyrs back home.’”

The Xinhua report further noted: “The ceremony was also livestreamed online. Among the viewers were faculty and students of a primary school in Shenyang, which was named after CPV martyr Mao Anying, the son of late Chinese Chairman Mao Zedong. In memory of the martyrs, the students had selected personal gifts to take to the martyr’s cemetery at a later date.”

The remains of the 43 martyrs were laid to rest in a solemn ceremony the following day.

The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

China Focus: Remains of 43 Chinese martyrs in Korean War returned to homeland from ROK

SHENYANG, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) — The remains of 43 Chinese People’s Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who died during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK).

At 12:07 p.m., a Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force Y-20 transport aircraft, carrying the remains of the fallen soldiers and 495 of their personal effects, landed at Taoxian International Airport in Shenyang, capital of northeast China’s Liaoning Province.

The plane’s touch down was met with a water cannon salute, as soldiers carried the caskets off the plane before a remembrance ceremony was held at the airport.

Nearly 1,000 people, including representatives from central and local authorities, the military, war veterans, and relatives of CPV martyrs, attended the ceremony.

Following the placement of the caskets, which were covered with the Five-star Red Flag, the participants bowed three times in dignified silence to the soldiers’ remains.

The remains will be laid to rest in a martyrs’ cemetery in Shenyang.

After the ROK handed over the martyrs’ remains and belongings to the Chinese side in Incheon on Thursday morning, China held a memorial ceremony at Incheon International Airport. During the ceremony, the Chinese national anthem was played, and each casket was draped with the national flag. Attendees bowed three times to the martyrs before their remains were placed onto the plane.

From 2014 to 2023, China and the ROK, in accordance with international laws and humanitarian principles, successfully completed 10 consecutive handovers involving the remains of 938 CPV martyrs in the ROK, along with related artifacts.