North Korea's Workers' Party reelected Kim Jong-un as its general secretary at the Ninth Congress. The decision highlights improvements in nuclear deterrence and national prosperity, with Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulating Kim and vowing to advance bilateral ties. The congress is set to unveil key policy goals for the next five years.
North Korea's Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) reelected Kim Jong-un as its general secretary on the fourth day of the Ninth Congress, February 22, 2026, state media reported. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) stated that "the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea decided to elect Kim Jong-un as general secretary of the WPK," reflecting the "unshakable will" of party members, people, and soldiers.
The congress, the party's highest decision-making body, began last Thursday, marking the first such event since the eighth in 2021. It is expected to announce major policy goals for the next five years in economy, defense, and diplomacy. According to KCNA, under Kim's leadership, the country's nuclear-based war deterrence has been radically improved, propelling the state toward prosperity despite historical challenges.
The congress elected a new Central Committee, excluding senior figures like parliamentary chairman Choe Ryong-hae (76), party secretary Pak Jong-chon, and defense adviser Ri Pyong-chol. This reshuffle, replacing nearly 70 members, signals a generational shift in leadership. New entrants include Jo Chun-ryong, head of the party's defense manufacturing department. The omission of inter-Korean relations officials Ri Son-gwon and Kim Yong-chol suggests continued hostility toward Seoul.
Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Kim, praising his "new results in building a Korean socialist country" and noting the reelection reflects high trust from the party and people. Xi described China and North Korea as "friendly socialist neighbors," reaffirming an unwavering policy to advance ties and proposing implementation of recent meeting agreements to open a new chapter in relations.
South Korea's unification ministry spokesperson Yoon Min-ho said the congress has solidified Kim's leadership while minimizing external messages. The event is anticipated to adopt new policy directions, with attention on any response to dialogue overtures from Seoul and Washington.
Party secretary Ri Il-hwan told the congress that Kim has enabled the realization of long-desired prosperity amid global wars and tyranny, positioning the country as a formidable force despite sanctions.
