Key facts
- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met with a Chinese delegation led by Wang Huning in Pyongyang.
- The meeting reaffirmed the commitment to expanding cooperation between North Korea and China.
- Wang conveyed greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping to Kim Jong-un.
- Kim Jong-un highlighted the significance of the friendship treaty between the two nations.
- Both sides agreed to promote political trust and expand cooperation.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met with a high-level Chinese delegation in Pyongyang, led by Wang Huning, China's top political adviser. The meeting, held on July 16, 2026, aimed to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between the two countries.
During the talks, Wang conveyed greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping to Kim. Kim expressed appreciation and emphasized the importance of the bilateral friendship treaty in defending the interests of both nations and ensuring regional and global peace and security. He stated that North Korea would continue efforts to develop ties with China based on the treaty and changing circumstances.
Wang, who is China's fourth-ranking official, expressed gratitude for the welcome and affirmed China's commitment to implementing agreements reached by the leaders of the two countries. He stated that the goal is to promote political mutual trust, solidarity, and expand cooperation.
The visit by Wang's delegation, which lasted three days through Friday, follows a trip by North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song to China for treaty anniversary events, where he met with Xi and other senior Chinese officials. These exchanges highlight increasingly active contacts between Pyongyang and Beijing as they seek to reaffirm their close ties and deepen cooperation.