Kim Jong-un Sends Verbal Letter to Xi Jinping "Congratulations on Victory over COVID-19" (Comprehensive)

"Shi's Commentary, Firmly Gaining the Upper Hand in Epidemics and Wars"
Showcasing Closer North Korea-China Relations Triggered by COVID-19

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un

Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, reportedly sent a verbal letter to Xi Jinping, President of China, regarding the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), according to North Korea's state-run media, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), on the 8th.

The agency stated that "Comrade Kim Jong-un sent a verbal letter to Comrade Xi Jinping concerning China's achievements in the prevention and control of the novel coronavirus infection."

In the verbal letter, Chairman Kim said, "He highly praised and congratulated General Secretary Xi for leading the Chinese Party and people to firmly seize the initiative in the unprecedented war against the epidemic and strategically and tactically managing the overall situation."

Chairman Kim also conveyed that "the relationship between the two parties of North Korea and China, which has been firmly strengthened by overcoming all historical trials and challenges, is becoming closer day by day and developing more soundly," and sent combative greetings to all members of the Communist Party of China, KCNA reported.

The agency did not mention the date or specific route through which the verbal letter was delivered.

Amid the COVID-19 situation, North Korea appears to be further strengthening ties with China.

This marks about three months since Chairman Kim resumed 'letter diplomacy' with President Xi.

In February, when COVID-19 was spreading in China, Chairman Kim sent a letter of consolation and, in the name of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party, sent financial support to the Communist Party of China.

On February 3rd, Chairman Kim also sent a New Year's greeting card to President Xi, demonstrating close ties. KCNA stated, "Comrade Kim Jong-un sent New Year's greetings to party and state leaders of various countries at the beginning of the new year," naming President Xi's position first.

In the past, China was generally mentioned first, but starting from 2015, when North Korea-China relations deteriorated, until 2018, China was mentioned later. This contrasts with last year, when only some Chinese leadership was mentioned without President Xi.

In March, the North Korean embassy in China attracted attention by displaying a photo of a meeting between Chairman Kim and President Xi for the first time in over a year.

This has been interpreted as North Korea's intention to revive the momentum for President Xi's visit to North Korea, which stalled in June last year, and to strengthen strategic ties between North Korea and China amid COVID-19 prevention efforts and severe economic difficulties.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.