North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has pledged to revitalize high-level exchanges and strengthen strategic communication between North Korea and China. Analysts interpret this as the two countries aligning their diplomatic channels and adjusting their level of coordination ahead of the U.S.-China summit scheduled for next month.
According to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, Kim met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who visited the Workers' Party of Korea headquarters in Pyongyang. Kim stated that "North Korea is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges and maintain close strategic communication with China, taking the grand blueprint established at the 9th Party Congress as an opportunity."
Kim particularly emphasized that expanding North Korea-China relations benefits both countries, citing the international situation. "Developing relations between North Korea and China serves the common interests of both nations, and represents North Korea's firm will and established policy," Kim said. "North Korea supports the 'community with a shared future for mankind' concept and four major global initiatives proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping." He also expressed support for China's position that views Taiwan as a target for reunification.
Wang also viewed North Korea-China relations positively, describing Kim's visit to China last year as "historic." Wang said, "China is willing to implement the important common understanding of the top leaders of both parties and countries together with North Korea, and to maintain close exchanges and visits." He added, "China and North Korea should make due contributions to safeguarding the common interests of numerous developing countries and world peace and development."
Wang's visit to North Korea comes ahead of the U.S.-China summit next month. Some observers suggest that prior coordination between North Korea and China may be taking place, as Korean Peninsula issues could be raised as an agenda item at the U.S.-China summit.
