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China's Xi congratulates Kim on reappointment, pledges closer China–North Korea ties

By The South Asia Times

BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping has congratulated North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on his reappointment as general secretary of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, reaffirming Beijing’s commitment to deepening strategic cooperation with Pyongyang.

According to China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency, Xi sent a congratulatory message on Monday after Kim was reelected to the party’s top post during the ongoing party congress in North Korea.

In his message, Xi praised Kim for what he described as “new achievements” in advancing socialist development in North Korea, saying the reelection demonstrated the strong confidence and support of the party, government and people.

Xi also characterized China and North Korea as “friendly socialist neighbors” and reiterated Beijing’s “unwavering policy” of maintaining and strengthening bilateral relations. He called for both sides to implement key understandings reached during his recent meetings with Kim, with the aim of opening a new phase in ties between the two countries.

Earlier, North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim was reelected as general secretary on the fourth day of the ninth party congress on Sunday.

China and North Korea have maintained close political and economic relations, with both leaders emphasizing continued cooperation amid regional tensions and shifting geopolitical dynamics.