North Korea-China Foreign Ministers Hold Talks: "Oppose Hegemony and Unilateralism"

Wang Yi, Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (also serving as Foreign Minister), met with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui on the 28th in Beijing. As the two countries continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation, they also issued statements that appeared to be aimed at the United States, opposing hegemony and unilateralism.

According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Director Wang stated during the meeting, "Safeguarding, consolidating, and developing China-North Korea relations has always been a steadfast strategic policy of the Chinese party and government," adding, "Our responsibility is to thoroughly implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of both parties and countries, strengthen strategic communication, closely enhance exchanges and cooperation, and jointly promote regional peace and development."

North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the 28th in Beijing, China. Photo captured from CGTN social media.

Director Wang said, "The current international situation is turbulent, and the dangers of power politics and bullying are serious." He continued, "China highly appreciates North Korea's support for China's core interests and major concerns, as well as its support for the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind and the global development, security, civilization, and governance initiatives proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping." He added, "China is willing to work with North Korea to strengthen coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs, oppose all forms of hegemony, and safeguard the common interests of both countries as well as international fairness and justice."

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reported that Director Wang introduced the current domestic situation in China, stating that China is pursuing the cause of building a strong nation and national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernization.

According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Choe commented on the 80th anniversary of China's Victory Day held earlier this month, saying, "It demonstrated China's historical achievements, comprehensive national strength, and international standing." She added, "The historic meeting held by the top leaders of both parties and countries has provided strategic guidance and strong momentum for deepening North Korea-China relations centered on socialism."

Foreign Minister Choe stated, "The continuous deepening and development of North Korea-China relations is North Korea's firm position," and added, "North Korea is willing to faithfully implement the consensus reached by the top leaders of both parties and countries together with China, strengthen strategic communication, promote friendly exchanges, and deepen practical cooperation to advance North Korea-China relations to a new and higher level."

She also said, according to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "North Korea is willing to closely coordinate with China in multilateral cooperation, jointly oppose unilateralism and power politics, and work together to build a more fair and just global order."

Although Director Wang and Foreign Minister Choe did not specifically mention any country by name in relation to hegemony and unilateralism, their remarks are widely interpreted as being directed at the United States.

Foreign Minister Choe arrived in Beijing the previous day at the invitation of Director Wang. She will be in China for a four-day visit until the 30th. This is her first solo visit to China since taking office as Foreign Minister in June 2022, and also her first face-to-face meeting with China's top diplomat.

As North Korea is preparing a large-scale military parade next month to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party (October 10), there is speculation that discussions may have taken place regarding a possible visit to North Korea by a high-ranking Chinese official, including President Xi Jinping. With the leaders of the United States and China scheduled to meet at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, there is also the possibility that North Korea and China may coordinate their positions on the Korean Peninsula agenda in advance. However, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs only stated, "The two countries also exchanged in-depth views on issues of mutual concern."

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