Chinese President Xi Jinping says he is ready to work with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to develop “long-term” and “sound and stable” China–North Korea relations, according to reports citing Xi’s message. The comments come after Xi made a rare visit to North Korea last month. During that trip, Xi and Kim pledged to expand their ties amid heightened regional tensions.
Both accounts frame the exchange as a response to Kim’s separate congratulatory note to Xi. Xi emphasizes the longstanding relationship between the two leaders and expresses a commitment to strengthening their broader strategic partnership. The reports also link the renewed diplomacy to the regional security environment, including concerns about North Korea’s growing military cooperation with Russia.
While the outlets differ in wording—such as “stable” versus “long-term, sound and stable”—they describe the same diplomatic exchange and the common thrust: Xi presents cooperation with North Korea as an avenue for stability and continued engagement, including China’s economic significance for Pyongyang.
