China ready to 'deepen' and 'strengthen' bilateral relations with DPRK
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As the DPRK marks its 76th anniversary of its founding, Chinese President Xi Jinping expresses Beijing's readiness to further enhance diplomatic relations with Pyongyang.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping walks with DPRK leader Kim Jong-un in the Chinese city of Dalian on May 8, 2018. (AFP)
China is prepared to "deepen strategic understanding" with the DPRK while aiming to "strengthen coordination and cooperation," President Xi Jinping said in a telegram congratulating DPRK leader Kim Jong Un on the 76th anniversary of the DPRK's founding.
"In the new period, in the new situation, the Chinese side will continue to pay attention to Chinese-Korean relations at the strategic level and from a long-term perspective," the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported, quoting the telegram.
"And it is ready to deepen strategic understanding with the Korean side, strengthen coordination and cooperation, jointly reliably protect, firmly strengthen and dynamically develop Chinese-Korean relations of friendship and cooperation."
The Chinese president commended the Workers' Party of Korea's (WPK) leadership for shaping the people of the DPRK's promotion of "the tireless development of all national affairs with unanimity and unity."
Xi wished the DPRK prosperity and hoped for happiness and well-being for its people.
China, DPRK convene to reinforce and mark 75 years of diplomatic ties
The DPRK's state media reported on April 13 that China's third highest-ranking official Zhao Leji - a member of the powerful Standing Committee of the Chinese Communist Party's Politburo - met with his North Korean counterpart Choe Ryong Hae in a "new chapter" of relations in one of the most high-level talks in years.
The meeting marked 75 years of diplomatic ties, as the officials attended an opening ceremony for the "year of DPRK-China friendship" in Pyongyang on April 12.
Zhao stated in his speech that it is the "consistent strategic policy" of Beijing to "successfully defend, consolidate and develop" bilateral relations, adding that China is willing to "thoroughly implement the important common understanding" and "open up a new chapter of China-DPRK friendship along with the times."
Zhao is China's third highest-ranking official, after President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.
KCNA relayed that Choe said the two countries' relationship "has greeted a new heyday under the wise leadership" of their leaders, who were seen sitting next to each other watching performances of "prestigious art troupes" at the East Pyongyang Grand Theatre, per AFP footage.
Performers were seen donning traditional Korean and Chinese garments, and the final moment of the event seemingly showed a massive image of the countries' flags, with the phrase "eternal friendship".
