North Korea declares support for protecting China's interests

Photo by Nahi Khabar 24/7 – via Personal Collection

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, reaffirming Pyongyang’s commitment to supporting China’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and development interests. This statement underscores the enduring alliance between the two nations, emphasizing that their friendship remains steadfast despite shifting international dynamics.

The bilateral summit, which followed a significant military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, was a rare occasion where Kim appeared alongside Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. During their discussions, both leaders pledged to enhance strategic cooperation, increase high-level exchanges, and align their positions on regional and global issues.

This development is part of a broader trend of deepening ties between North Korea, China, and Russia, particularly in the context of their collective opposition to U.S.-led international norms. While not a formal alliance, their cooperation has intensified, with each nation leveraging its position to counterbalance Western influence.

The strengthened China-North Korea relations are also reflected in their mutual defense commitments, notably the 1961 Treaty on Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance, which remains the only defense pact China has with another country.

As global geopolitical tensions evolve, the reaffirmation of this alliance signals a concerted effort by Beijing and Pyongyang to safeguard their strategic interests and assert their positions on the international stage.