Beijing 北 Embassy Exhibits Large Collection of 'Kim Jong-un's China Visit' Photos from 3 Years Ago... Showcasing North Korea-China Relations

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The North Korean Embassy in China prominently displayed numerous photos taken during North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un's 2018 visits to China, showcasing the close ties between the two countries.

Yonhap News reported on the 1st that it confirmed 26 photos of Chairman Kim’s three visits to China three years ago were displayed on a bulletin board next to the main gate of the North Korean Embassy in Chaoyang District, Beijing.

Chairman Kim first visited China in March 2018, followed by visits in May and June of the same year. The embassy’s bulletin board exhibited photos including scenes of Chairman Kim shaking hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping, summit meetings, and luncheon events with the leaders and their spouses.

The North Korean Embassy is known to have recently replaced photos of Kim Jong-il, Chairman Kim’s father and former National Defense Commission Chairman, taken during his lifetime inspections, all at once.

This appears to be a display of traditional friendly relations by North Korea and China in response to the recent agreement and cooperation between South Korea and the United States on a North Korea policy based on dialogue and diplomacy following their summit. Exchanges between South Korea and China had been scarce due to border closures after the COVID-19 outbreak.

However, relations have recently been warming again. On the 7th of last month, a photo exhibition commemorating the 3rd anniversary of Chairman Kim’s visit to China was held at the North Korean Embassy, attended by many high-ranking Chinese officials including Song Tao, head of the Chinese Communist Party’s International Liaison Department. The meeting between Wang Yi, China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister, and Ri Ryong-nam, North Korea’s Ambassador to China, on the 27th of last month also attracted significant attention.

At the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, Director Wang and Ambassador Ri exchanged elbow greetings with bright faces, without masks. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that the two exchanged views on the situation on the Korean Peninsula and agreed to strengthen cooperation on this issue.

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