North Korea and China Extensively Cover Summit, Showcasing Upgraded Relations

[Anchor]

Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to North Korea has entered its second day. North Korea and China extensively covered yesterday's (June 8) summit, showcasing their significantly upgraded bilateral relations.

Reporter Kim Ayeong has the story.

[Reporter]

This is the welcome banquet held at the Mokran House in Pyongyang yesterday for Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit.

After concluding the summit in a friendly atmosphere, President Xi and Chairman Kim Jong-un exchanged messages of friendship, both signaling an elevation in their relationship.

[Korean Central Television: (President Xi Jinping) expressed his intention to develop China-North Korea relations to a higher level, pioneer a more beautiful future for the socialist cause of both countries...]

[(Chairman Kim Jong-un) expressed his willingness to develop North Korea-China relations into a model of the most powerful and strategic relations between socialist countries.]

Korean Central Television began airing footage of yesterday's summit today, just one day later, and the Rodong Sinmun newspaper also reported extensively on the summit by adding four extra pages compared to its usual format.

North Korea announced that international and regional issues were discussed at yesterday's meeting and that they reached a satisfactory consensus.

[...to strengthen strategic coordination and cooperation, and to firmly uphold the sovereignty, security, and development interests of both countries...]

Unlike seven years ago, there is no mention of North Korea's denuclearization at all.

Given that North Korea claims the possession of nuclear weapons as a matter of sovereignty, some interpret this public support for sovereignty and security as a message that effectively condones North Korea's nuclear program.

Just before President Xi's visit, North Korea unveiled a new uranium enrichment facility, and Kim Yo-jong had previously drawn a line, stating that denuclearization is not a subject for discussion.

Chairman Kim Jong-un responded by saying that he fully supports the position of the Chinese party and government based on the "One China" principle, which China considers a core interest.

President Xi is scheduled to visit North Korea-China friendship facilities today and conclude his state visit as he is seen off by Chairman Kim.

(Video Editing: Chae Cheol-ho)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.