China and North Korea Strengthen Ties: Premier Li Qiang Meets Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui
Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui in Beijing, emphasizing China's willingness to strengthen strategic communication and deepen collaboration with North Korea to safeguard their mutual interests. This meeting took place against the backdrop of potential high-level meetings and a planned military parade in Pyongyang.
Deepening Cooperation and Mutual Support
According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Li Qiang stated that China views its relationship with North Korea from a strategic and long-term perspective. He expressed China's desire to increase interactions at all levels, deepen mutual understanding and friendship, and engage in practical cooperation across various fields to promote joint development. He also acknowledged and appreciated North Korea's unwavering support on issues concerning China's core interests.
Li Qiang also expressed China's commitment to further deepen collaboration with North Korea to better protect their shared interests. This commitment reinforces the existing strategic alliance between the two nations.
North Korea's Steadfast Support for China
Choe Son Hui reiterated North Korea's firm commitment to consolidating and developing its relationship with China. She affirmed that North Korea will continue to firmly support China's position on issues related to Taiwan, Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong, all of which China considers to be matters of core national interest. She also expressed North Korea's desire to strengthen high-level exchanges, enhance communication between their respective foreign ministries, promote practical cooperation, and deepen multilateral collaboration.
Choe Son Hui's visit to China, at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, commenced on Saturday and concluded on Tuesday. The discussions during her visit likely covered a range of topics, including strategic coordination and potential future engagements.
Potential Implications and Regional Context
The meeting between Li Qiang and Choe Son Hui occurs amidst speculation of potential bilateral meetings between South Korean, Chinese, and US leaders at the upcoming APEC summit in South Korea. This raises the possibility of discussions on the Korean Peninsula situation and potential dialogue between North Korea and the United States.
Additionally, North Korea is preparing for a large-scale military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea on October 10th. The visit may have served as an opportunity to discuss the possibility of a high-level Chinese delegation attending the parade. Previous reports indicated that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may have considered a visit to China with his daughter, Kim Ju-ae.
The Return of Zhao Lijian
Notably, Zhao Lijian, former spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry and current Deputy Director-General of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs, was present during Wang Yi's meeting with Choe Son Hui. This marked his first public appearance in over two years, since December 2022. Zhao Lijian, known for his assertive rhetoric, had been absent from the public eye since his reassignment, leading to speculation about a possible shift in China's diplomatic approach.