Kim Jong Un vows to deepen ties with China
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged to strengthen relations with China “more vigorously,” state media KCNA reported Tuesday.
His remarks came in response to a congratulatory message from Chinese President Xi Jinping marking North Korea’s founding anniversary, according to KCNA.
Kim said he could “feel well enough” China’s support during his visit to Beijing earlier this month, where he watched a military parade alongside Xi. The two leaders also held a bilateral meeting, their first in six years.
Xi stood with Kim during the World War II anniversary event in Beijing, highlighting the close ties between the two nations. China remains a major backer and economic lifeline for North Korea.
Meanwhile, Kim recently stated there was no reason to avoid talks with the United States if Washington dropped its demand for North Korea to give up nuclear weapons. However, he stressed he would never abandon the nuclear arsenal in exchange for ending sanctions.