On the 18th, Wang Yi, Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Chinese Communist Party and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met in Beijing with North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Park Myong-ho, who is visiting China.
It is expected that Vice Minister Park Myung-ho will have explained to the Chinese side major issues related to North Korea’s launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during his visit to China.
According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Director Wang Yi said on this day, “The traditional friendship between China and North Korea was created by the leaders of both parties and the two countries, and is a valuable asset for both sides.” shined even brighter in the new era,” he said.
Director Wang said, “In the face of the confusing international situation, China and North Korea have always supported and trusted each other, emphasizing the strategic importance of friendly cooperation between the two countries. “We will strengthen coordination, deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and hold an event next year to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, thereby promoting the sustainable and stable development of China-North Korea friendly and cooperative relations,” he explained.
In response, Vice President Park Myung-ho said, “It is the firm position of the party and the government to continue to deepen and develop North Korea-China relations in accordance with the will of the top leaders of the two countries and the demands of the new era.” He added, “We will use the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year as an opportunity to solidify friendship between North Korea and China and strengthen the relationship between the two countries.” “I want to develop it,” he said.
He added, “North Korea will continue to strengthen multilateral cooperation with China and safeguard common interests to safeguard regional peace and stability.”
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that during the meeting, opinions were exchanged on issues of common interest between the two countries.
Previously, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong (Vice Minister level) met with Vice Minister Park Myung-ho in Beijing on the 15th. The two sides agreed to deepen friendly cooperation and expand strategic communication on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries next year.
It is highly likely that the visit by North Korea’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs was made in preparation for the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year. A diplomatic source said, “Because the border between North Korea and China has been blocked, exchanges have not taken place, and even now, exchanges are not free.” He added, “With the border reopening, it appears that they are preparing for next year’s event.”
It is also possible that this was intended to notify China ahead of the short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) launch on the 17th and the ICBM launch on the same day.
In fact, while North Korea has been carrying out missile provocations for two days in a row, there have been no reports on the matter from Chinese state-run media, and they are virtually ‘condoning’ it.
(Beijing = News 1)
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.