Kim Jong Un Reaffirms Strategic Ties With China in Beijing Talks

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited China for the first time in six years, meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing to reaffirm and strengthen the longstanding strategic friendship between their countries. Both leaders emphasized that despite changes in the international landscape, the bond of friendship and cooperation between China and North Korea remains unwavering, with commitments to deepen high-level exchanges, strategic communication, and coordination on regional and international issues. Xi described North Korea as a vital neighbor and ally, underscoring China's intent to maintain and develop their bilateral relations while safeguarding mutual interests and peace on the Korean Peninsula. Kim pledged continued support for China's sovereignty and development goals, including backing China on sensitive issues such as Taiwan. The visit coincided with a major military parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, where Kim, Xi, and Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared together, signaling a united front amid global tensions. Additionally, Russian President Putin sent Kim a congratulatory message reaffirming Russia's strategic partnership with North Korea, which has recently supplied Moscow with military support in Ukraine.