China has called for closer coordination with the DPRK to jointly oppose “hegemonism" in what was seen as a thinly veiled reference to the United States.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks during talks in Beijing on Sunday with his DPRK counterpart, Choe Son-hui, just weeks after leader Kim Jong Un’s rare visit to China.

“Maintaining, consolidating, and developing China–DPRK relations has always been the unswerving strategic policy of the Chinese government,” Wang said, according to a statement from the Foreign Ministry.

“China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with the DPRK in international and regional affairs, oppose all forms of hegemonism, and safeguard the common interests of both sides and international fairness and justice,” he added.

Strategic ties amid tensions with Washington

The comments underscore Beijing’s support for Pyongyang at a time of heightened rivalry with Washington across economic, diplomatic, and security fronts.

China remains DPRK’s main economic and diplomatic backer, despite past tensions over Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program. The two neighbors have highlighted their shared opposition to US influence in the region.

Earlier this month, Kim stood alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing at a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, further signaling deepening ties.

Kim Jong Un has said Pyongyang is open to resuming dialogue with Washington, but only if the US drops its demand for North Korea to abandon its nuclear arsenal. Pyongyang argues its nuclear program is a defensive necessity against perceived threats from the US and its allies, including South Korea.