North Korea-China Summit: Kim Jong Un Reaffirms Support for 'One China' Principle, Xi Jinping Calls for Expanded Exchanges and Cooperation in All Sectors

On June 8, North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un designated North Korea-China relations as "the country’s most critical No. 1 strategic project" and reaffirmed his support for the "One China" principle.

According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency, Chairman Kim held a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Kumsusan State Guesthouse in Pyongyang that afternoon, stating, "Consolidating and developing the friendship between North Korea and China in this new era is the choice of the people and the demand of the times."

Chairman Kim said, "Going forward, I will continue to regard the development of North Korea-China relations as the nation’s most important top strategic project," adding that "we will develop our relationship as a model for inter-state relations and jointly contribute to peace and prosperity in the region and the world."

He also noted, "The international community is undergoing unprecedented and immense changes," and emphasized, "North Korea will continue to firmly uphold the One China principle and support the policies and positions promoted by China to defend its core interests."

Chinese President Xi Jinping will make a state visit to North Korea from June 8 to 9, China and North Korea announced on June 5. The photo shows North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un shaking hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping before their bilateral talks during Kim's visit to China on September 4, 2025. Photo by Yonhap News

Additionally, he remarked on President Xi’s decision to choose Pyongyang as his first overseas destination this year, calling it "a great encouragement that demonstrates special attention and friendship for North Korea-China relations."

During the summit, President Xi stressed the need to expand exchanges in all areas, including diplomacy, law enforcement, and the military. President Xi stated, "We must further expand and invigorate friendly exchanges between the two parties at all levels and in all sectors, and deepen the exchange of experiences in party building and national governance."

He went on to say, "We need to strengthen exchanges in the fields of diplomacy, law enforcement, and the military, and faithfully implement the key agreements that General Secretary Kim Jong Un and I have reached, pooling our wisdom and strength for the development of China-North Korea relations."

He further stated, "We should enhance the alignment of our development strategies and expand practical cooperation in trade, agriculture, construction, science and technology, and healthcare, so that the peoples of both countries can enjoy greater benefits." In addition, he proposed, "With the full reopening of border ports and the resumption of civil aviation flights and international passenger train operations, we should expand people-to-people exchanges and achieve two-way interactions."

President Xi also highlighted the importance of civilian exchanges and traditional bonds, saying, "The traditional China-North Korea friendship forged in blood is a shared and precious asset of our two peoples." He expressed hope that both countries would jointly promote the maintenance and management of memorial facilities for the Chinese People's Volunteers in North Korea, as well as revolutionary tradition education and ideological education for youth.

He added, "China and North Korea should strengthen strategic coordination and cooperation, resolutely safeguard each other's sovereignty, security, and development interests, and jointly maintain peace and development in the region."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.