China’s fourth-ranked leader, Wang Huning, held high-level talks with senior North Korean official Jo Yong Won in Pyongyang as Beijing and Pyongyang continue efforts to deepen their long-standing partnership.
According to North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Wang arrived in the North Korean capital on Wednesday at the invitation of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea.
During the meeting, Wang reaffirmed China’s commitment to implementing the agreements reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during Xi’s recent visit to Pyongyang, the first by a Chinese president in seven years.
The two leaders had agreed to expand cooperation in politics, the economy, culture and strategic communication through more frequent exchanges between senior officials. Kim also reiterated his support for Beijing’s “One China” principle, under which China considers Taiwan part of its territory, a claim rejected by Taiwan.
The latest meeting also coincided with the 65th anniversary of diplomatic friendship between China and North Korea. KCNA reported that Jo expressed Pyongyang’s desire to further strengthen strategic communication and practical cooperation with Beijing.
The two sides also discussed ways to improve public welfare and deepen collaboration in trade, cultural exchanges and cooperation between the ruling parties of both countries.
The talks follow another recent high-level meeting in Beijing, where North Korean Premier Pak Thae Song met President Xi during commemorations marking the 65th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, signed in 1961. The treaty remains China’s only active mutual defence pact.
During that meeting, Xi called on both countries to maintain “strategic resolve” amid growing global uncertainty and accelerate the implementation of agreements reached with Kim.
Analysts say the increasing number of senior-level exchanges reflects the shared interests of both nations. North Korea is seeking stronger economic and geopolitical support from China, while Beijing aims to preserve its influence on the Korean Peninsula and maintain its strategic position in Northeast Asia as Pyongyang continues to strengthen ties with Russia.
