Kim meets China’s foreign minister, backs closer North Korea-China ties
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un voiced support for China’s push to build a “multipolar world” during talks with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Pyongyang, state media reported on Saturday.
Kim met Wang on Friday, the final day of the Chinese diplomat’s two-day visit to North Korea, which began on Thursday. The trip marked Wang’s first visit to the country in several years and was aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties and reviving high-level exchanges after disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the meeting, Kim reaffirmed North Korea’s support for China’s “one-China principle,” under which Taiwan is considered part of Chinese territory, and expressed backing for Beijing’s efforts to build what he described as a fair and balanced international order.
Kim also stressed that Pyongyang places top priority on developing relations with China and called for expanding exchanges and contacts at various levels to strengthen the traditional alliance between the two neighbours.
During the trip, Wang also held talks with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui , where the two sides discussed regional and international issues and agreed to deepen cooperation and maintain close strategic communication.
Chinese officials said bilateral ties were entering a “new phase” following last year’s summit between Kim and Chinese President Xi Jinping . Economic links between the countries have also begun recovering, with passenger trains and flights resuming after being suspended during the pandemic.
The diplomatic engagement comes amid shifting geopolitical tensions. While North Korea has recently strengthened ties with Russia, analysts say Pyongyang is also working to reinforce relations with China, its long-time political ally and major economic partner.
Wang’s visit also precedes a planned meeting next month between Xi and US President Donald Trump , which some observers believe could influence future diplomacy involving North Korea.