Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on his reelection as president of the State Affairs Commission, reaffirming Beijing's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. The message, reported by KCNA on Friday, follows Kim's reappointment earlier in the week at the first session of North Korea's 15th Supreme People's Assembly—amid a series of international felicitations including from Russia and others.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Xi sent the message on Thursday, emphasizing China's 'unwavering' policy to safeguard, solidify, and advance ties with Pyongyang. This gesture underscores ongoing cooperation between China and North Korea amid regional tensions. South Korean media, including Yonhap and The Korea Times, cited the KCNA report. The congratulations come after similar messages from leaders like Russia's Vladimir Putin, to whom Kim replied expressing hopes for deepened partnership.