Xi Jinping Seeks New Development of China-D.P.R.K. Relations

June 19, 2019 (EIRNS)—President Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), wants a “new development of relations between China and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (D.P.R.K.) to better benefit both peoples, and promote regional—as well as world peace, stability, and prosperity,” Xinhua reported today.

Xi’s remarks were carried in a signed article published on the front page of Pyongyang’s official newspaper Rodong Sinmun, ahead of his state visit to the D.P.R.K. June 20-21. The visit will be the first visit to North Korea by the CPC’s top leader and China’s head of state in 14 years, and Xi’s first visit to the country since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012. President Xi has a personal tradition of writing an article for the main media of a country he is about to visit.

President Xi, observing that 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Beijing and Pyongyang, recalled that leaders of China and the D.P.R.K. maintained close contacts for generations. “No matter how the international situation changes, the CPC and the Chinese government have held and will always hold a firm position on consolidating and developing China-D.P.R.K. relations,” he said.

“China will unswervingly support Chairman Kim in leading the D.P.R.K. to implement the new strategic line and focus on developing economy and improving people’s livelihood.... We are pleased to see that with Chairman Kim’s correct decision and the concerted efforts of all parties concerned, the general trend of peaceful dialogue on the Korean Peninsula has taken shape, and a political settlement to the Peninsula issue sees a rare historical opportunity, which has been universally recognized and anticipated by the international community.”

He continued: “It fits our respective need for development and the common interests of our peoples to push forward the political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue and maintain peace and stability in the region.” China will “actively contribute to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity by strengthening communication and coordination with the D.P.R.K. and relevant parties to jointly push for progress in talks and negotiations on the issue.”