North Korea, China Reinforce Strategic Ties Amid High-Level Diplomatic Visits

North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui has reaffirmed North Korea's commitment to strengthening its strategic ties with China during recent high-level visits and meetings with Chinese leaders, including Premier Li Qiang and top diplomat Wang Yi. Both sides emphasized the importance of promoting bilateral relations from a long-term and strategic perspective, with China valuing the relationship as a key alliance. This cooperation aims to oppose hegemonism and unilateralism, enhance coordination on international and regional affairs, and promote regional peace and development. The diplomatic engagements follow North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's visit to Beijing, where he participated in a major military parade alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling closer ties among these authoritarian states. While North Korea continues its nuclear program, China maintains a balancing act between supporting Pyongyang and managing international pressure, using the alliance to counter U.S. influence in the region. These developments complicate regional diplomacy, especially for South Korea, as China prepares for its APEC summit visit amid rising geopolitical tensions.