Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted his North Korean counterpart Choe Son Hui this past weekend in Beijing. They strongly reaffirmed their nations’ shared commitment to opposing through cooperation “hegemonism” and “unilateralism” in international affairs. Just weeks after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made his first overseas trip to China, this dialogue was held. He had just come from an event marking the anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II.
Riding high on their summit success, both Wang and Choe made the case for deepening cooperation between China and the DPRK in their respective discussions. They highlighted the need to work together to promote a multipolar world, a concept that aligns with China’s Global Governance Initiative and North Korea’s vision of a “community with a shared future for mankind.”
Those discussions were held with the shadow of escalating tensions between Pyongyang and Washington over North Korea’s expanding nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The United States for decades has pursued a hostile policy toward North Korea, making it difficult to create a peaceful diplomatic environment in the region. At the same time, Beijing is embroiled in a bitter competition with Washington, fierce competition that lashes marriage at all levels, from commerce to technology.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that Beijing was ready to increase cooperation with North Korea. He stated,
“China is willing to strengthen coordination and collaboration with North Korea on international and regional affairs, oppose all forms of hegemonism, and protect their shared interests and international fairness and justice.” – Wang Yi
Choe Son Hui returned this praise, emphasizing Pyongyang’s efforts to operate in lockstep with Beijing. She observed that North Korea is one of China’s biggest allies and most supportive members, even expressing a willingness to participate in trilateral or quadrilateral cooperation.
“North Korea strongly supports these initiatives and is willing to work closely with China in multilateral collaboration to jointly resist unilateralism and power politics and promote the establishment of a more equitable and just world order.” – Choe Son Hui
The two foreign ministers talked about the need for their respective countries to change with the times, as a new global order emerges. During his visit, Kim Jong Un stressed that it is time for North Korea and China to grow up together. He expressed hope that their relationship would continue to grow “according to the requirements of the times.”
China’s alliance with North Korea was reaffirmed during North Korea’s recent military parade and China’s invitation to it. Kim Jong Un parades next to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the final end of World War 2.
Choe continued to stress North Korea’s desire for China’s stability and success under the essential guiding principle of the Communist Party.
“North Korea also wishes the Chinese people greater achievements under the leadership of the Communist Party of China through unity and struggle.” – Choe Son Hui
