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Key Points

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Chinese President Xi Jinping have held their first bilateral meeting in over six years in Beijing. The talks focused on strengthening economic cooperation and strategic communication between the two neighboring nations. This meeting comes as both countries work to restore traditionally close ties that have been strained by Pyongyang's recent alignment with Moscow. Kim attended the talks with his daughter Ju-ae following his participation in China's World War II anniversary events alongside Xi and Putin.

Key Points: Kim Jong Un Xi Jinping Hold First Beijing Talks in Six Years

  • First Kim-Xi bilateral meeting in over six years since 2019 Pyongyang summit
  • Focus on economic cooperation as China is North Korea's largest benefactor
  • Meeting aims to restore traditional ties strained by Pyongyang's Moscow alignment
  • Kim attended with daughter Ju-ae and joined Xi-Putin at military parade
2 min read

North Korea's Kim holds talks with China's Xi in Beijing: Reports

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet in Beijing for first bilateral talks since 2019, discussing economic cooperation and strategic ties.

"China wants to strengthen strategic communication with North Korea and deepen experiences in state governance - Guo Jiakun, China Foreign Ministry"

Beijing/Seoul, Sep 4

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks in Beijing, Chinese state news outlets reported Thursday, marking their first bilateral meeting in more than six years.

Kim and Xi started talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, according to multiple Chinese state media outlets.

Earlier in the day, China's foreign ministry spokesman, Guo Jiakun, said Kim and Xi will hold a summit to discuss bilateral relations and exchange views "in depth on issues of common interest."

"China wants to strengthen strategic communication with North Korea and deepen experiences in state governance through close exchanges and cooperation," he said, also expressing China's intent to further develop traditional ties with Pyongyang, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The two leaders may focus on bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economy, the largest issue facing North Korea. China is the North's largest economic benefactor.

Their meeting comes as the two countries work to restore traditionally close ties strained by Pyongyang's recent alignment with Moscow.

The talks mark the first meeting between the two leaders in more than six years, since their last summit held in Pyongyang in June 2019.

Kim was in Beijing for a third day on Thursday after arriving aboard his private armoured train with his daughter and heir apparent, Ju-ae, to attend the parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

It marks Kim's fifth trip to China, following his last in January 2019.

Kim joined Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin at center stage at the large-scale military parade held at Tiananmen Square in Beijing on Wednesday, signaling strengthening trilateral solidarity.

Shortly after the military parade, Kim appeared again shoulder to shoulder with Xi and Putin at a reception hosted by the Chinese president and held a summit with Putin.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Kim taking his daughter along shows this is about succession planning too. China wants to maintain influence over North Korea's next generation leadership. Smart move by Xi to strengthen ties while Putin is also in the picture. 🧠
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Aman W
China's economic support is crucial for North Korea's survival. Without Chinese trade and aid, the country would collapse. This meeting shows Beijing still wants to keep Pyongyang in its orbit despite the recent Russia tilt.
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Sarah B
While I understand geopolitical necessities, it's disappointing to see world leaders embracing authoritarian regimes. The people of North Korea continue to suffer while their leader travels in luxury trains. Human rights should matter more in international diplomacy.
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Vikram M
The timing is significant - right after the military parade showing China-Russia-NK solidarity. This is about creating a counterbalance to Western influence. India needs to be careful navigating these shifting alliances in the region.
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Nikhil C
First meeting in 6 years! That's quite a gap. Shows how strained relations had become after North Korea's closer ties with Russia. China doesn't want to lose its influence over its neighbor. Classic great power politics playing out. 🇨🇳🇰🇵

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