Chinese President Xi Jinping reassured DPRK leader Kim Jong Un that China’s commitment to the DPRK would remain steadfast regardless of global changes. Meeting at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, Xi emphasized that Beijing attaches “great importance to the traditional friendship” with Pyongyang.

“No matter how the international situation changes, this position will not change,” Xi said, according to state media.

Xi highlighted Beijing’s readiness to “maintain, consolidate and develop” bilateral ties. He pledged to deepen high-level exchanges, expand practical cooperation, and strengthen coordination on international affairs to safeguard common interests.

The remarks come as Pyongyang moves closer to Moscow, with whom it signed a mutual defense pact last year. Reports also confirm that DPRK soldiers have joined Russian forces in the Ukraine war.

Read more: China flaunts hypersonic missiles, advanced drones at Beijing Parade

Kim Jong Un’s visit to Beijing, meeting with Xi

Kim’s rare foreign visit coincided with a massive military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, where he appeared alongside Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

During his stay in Beijing, Kim was accompanied by his daughter Kim Ju Ae. It was his first trip to China since 2019. After Thursday’s talks, the two leaders shared tea and dinner before Kim’s armored train departed, South Korean media reported.

Kim voices support for Russia

During sideline talks at China's 80th Victory Day anniversary, Kim voiced that Pyongyang will "fully support" Moscow's military efforts, adding that it is a fraternal responsibility. 

Putin then praised the "special" relationship between the two nations and lauded the role that DPRK troops played in Ukraine, as reported by DPRK state media. 

Beyond the military field, Moscow and Pyongyang have intensified collaboration in economic and technological fields, as well as agreements on resource exploration, energy security, and space technology.

Russia, China defenses alarm Rutte

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte cautioned that Russia and China are gearing up their defense sectors for a “long-term confrontation,” following the military parade in Beijing.

“We face serious and lasting threats: Russia and China are investing heavily to build up and modernize their militaries,” Rutte said during his address at the IISS Prague Defence Summit on Thursday. “Their defense industries are producing weapons and heavy military equipment at a remarkable, staggering, rate.”

During the World War II anniversary parade on Wednesday, China displayed a variety of nuclear weapons, including two new massive intercontinental ballistic missiles. Xi marched alongside Putin and DPRK leader Kim Jong Un, marking his first public appearance with both leaders in a clear signal to the US and Europe of their military strength.

Rutte emphasized that the parade was not simply meant “to show off", but rather “to aggressively exert influence and attempt to reshape the global order and undermine our freedom and security.” He added that NATO faces threats beyond Russia, pointing to growing defense industry collaboration among China, Iran, and DPRK, which he said had reached “unprecedented levels".

“You only have to look at the pictures from Beijing the last couple of days, and the hand-holding,” Rutte remarked, referring to images of Xi clasping Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s hand while in talks with Putin at a recent security summit.

The NATO chief voiced particular concern over China’s rapid naval expansion, warning that its warship production far outpaces the capabilities of the US and Europe.

Read more: DPRK Leader promises ‘beautiful life’ to families of fallen troops