Zhao Leji, third in the official hierarchy of China and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (equivalent to the Congress), discussed the situation on the Korean Peninsula with Choe Ryung Hae, Chairman of the North Korean Supreme People’s Assembly, on the first day of his visit to North Korea. They agreed to strengthen high-level exchanges, and the possibility of a North Korea-China summit meeting was mentioned.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Zhao met with Choe in Pyongyang, exchanging views on international and regional situations and the Korean Peninsula. The specific content was not disclosed. Zhao is the highest-ranking person to visit North Korea since the outbreak of COVID-19.
At the meeting, Zhao proposed to strengthen high-level exchanges. He said, “China wants to take this year of friendship with North Korea as an opportunity to strengthen high-level exchanges and deepen cooperation.” He hoped to promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges, strengthen strategic cooperation, and continuously develop North Korea-China relations.
Zhao also mentioned that this year marks the 75th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries. He referred to the fact that Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un designated this year as the ‘Year of Friendship’ through New Year’s message exchanges and decided to carry out commemorative activities in various fields.
Zhao emphasized the importance China places on its relationship with North Korea. Quoting President Xi’s words, he said, “The Chinese party and government attach great importance to the traditional friendly cooperation relationship with North Korea,” and “Maintaining and strengthening and developing the relationship between the two countries is our unwavering strategic policy.”
In response, Choe said, “The friendship between North Korea and China, which is tied by blood, has a long history and deep roots,” and “(This is) a precious legacy and wealth shared by the two countries.”
Choe continued, “Kim Jong Un’s strategic guidance has led our friendly relationship into a new era. This shows the vitality and firmness of our relationship,” and “North Korea wants to join hands with China to deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the year of friendship, and to continuously develop our friendly and cooperative relationship under the guidance of the leaders of the two countries.”
After the meeting, the two signed cooperation documents were signed in various fields, such as mutual exemption of diplomatic and official visas, mutual translation and publication of classical works, customs and quarantine, TV and radio broadcasting, and mail and special transportation.
Zhao, who started visiting North Korea, is expected to stay until the 13th and attend official events such as the ‘Year of Friendship opening ceremony between North Korea and China.’ He is also scheduled to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his visit.
Meanwhile, South Korea and the United States confirmed plans to conduct a tabletop exercise (TTX) assuming North Korea’s use of nuclear weapons at the 24th Integrated Defense Consultative Committee (KIDD) meeting held in Washington, DC, on the 11th (local time). The two countries agreed to demonstrate the South Korea-US alliance through a close and coordinated bilateral response if North Korea provokes or threatens peace and stability in the region.
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