Kim Jong-un Pledges to Raise North Korea-China Ties to New Strategic Level

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has pledged to elevate relations with China to a new strategic level, using a message to Chinese President Xi Jinping to emphasize the durability and growing importance of the two countries’ partnership.

Kim sent the letter to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. In the message, reported by North Korean state media on Thursday, he offered congratulations to Xi and the Chinese public while presenting closer coordination as a firm policy choice for Pyongyang.

The North Korean leader pointed to the 65th anniversary of the bilateral friendship treaty and said exchanges were expanding across multiple fields. He described the relationship as one forged through shared sacrifice and said it could not be shaken by changes in the international environment. He also characterized the continued development of unity and cooperation with Beijing as North Korea’s steadfast will.

Kim referred to meetings with Xi last year and this year, saying the encounters had confirmed a shared intention to turn the countries’ special friendship into a more powerful and strategic relationship between socialist states. He told Xi that he wanted to guide the partnership to a new strategic level together.

The message stands out for its length and warmth, even though Kim traditionally sends a congratulatory letter for China’s National Day each year. This year’s text was nearly twice as long as his 2024 message and placed greater emphasis on strategic cooperation rather than relying only on references to the countries’ traditional friendship.

The language adds to signs of renewed momentum in the relationship after the two leaders held recent summits. It also underscores Beijing’s continuing position as Pyongyang’s most prominent diplomatic partner at a time when North Korea is stressing the value of durable political ties.

North Korea also hosted a reception in Pyongyang on Wednesday to celebrate China’s National Day. Chinese Ambassador Wang Yajun and other embassy officials attended, according to the North’s state media.

The latest exchange does not announce a specific agreement or new joint project. Instead, it sets a broad political direction: preserving the historical alliance, widening bilateral exchanges and placing greater weight on strategic coordination. The practical significance will depend on how the two governments translate those commitments into diplomatic and economic engagement.