President Xi Jinping said China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) should boost strategic cooperation and firmly safeguard their respective sovereignty, security and development interests in talks with the DPRK's leader Kim Jong Un on Monday.

Xi, who's also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, is in the DPRK for a two-day visit.

Xi said the two countries should jointly maintain regional peace and development, as well as strengthen strategic coordination and cooperation.

He also said he's ready to work with Kim, who's also general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, "to keep bilateral relations advancing with the times and achieve greater progress in bilateral ties," according to Xinhua News Agency.

Xi said he is willing to take the visit as an opportunity to strengthen top-level planning and strategic guidance for China-DPRK relations in the new era.

The president added that Beijing stands ready to work with Pyongyang to strengthen the alignment of development strategies, and expand practical cooperation in such areas as economy and trade, agriculture, construction, science and technology, as well as health care.

Xi said China and the DPRK should adhere to the goal of delivering benefits to the people and enhance the level of practical cooperation.

No matter how the international situation changes, the commitment by the Chinese government and the Communist Party of China to safeguard the shared interests of the two countries and preserve a favorable strategic environment will not change, Xinhua quoted Xi as saying.

At a welcome banquet hosted by Kim, XI said the relationship between China and the DPRK stands at a new historical starting point.

Kim, for his part, said Xi's choice of Pyongyang for his first overseas trip this year fully reflects the great importance he attaches to DPRK-China relations and the profound friendship between the two countries.

The DPRK leader added that Pyongyang will unwaveringly uphold the one-China principle and firmly support China's policies and positions on safeguarding its core interests.
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Last updated: 2026-06-08 HKT 21:37



Edited by Edmond Fong