North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui Meets Chinese Leaders in Beijing Amid Enhanced Diplomatic Engagement

North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui has made her second visit to China in less than a month to meet with Chinese leaders, including Premier Li Qiang and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, reflecting a deepening diplomatic engagement between Beijing and Pyongyang. During these meetings, both sides expressed commitment to strengthening strategic communication, coordination, and cooperation on international and regional affairs, reaffirming their "traditional friendship" and mutual support on sensitive issues such as Taiwan and Xinjiang. The discussions followed a September summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, which set a blueprint for future bilateral relations amid global uncertainties and shifting geopolitical dynamics. North Korea emphasized its firm stance on deepening ties with China and support for Beijing's leadership and global initiatives, while China reiterated willingness to enhance exchanges at all levels and address international challenges collaboratively. This renewed cooperation signals a restoration of relations that had cooled due to North Korea's increased ties with Russia, positioning the two countries to jointly safeguard their interests and navigate complex international landscapes. The diplomatic momentum also precedes Xi's planned visit to South Korea for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, highlighting China's active regional engagement.