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Chinese General Secretary and State President Xi Jinping arrives at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport for a state visit to North Korea on June 20, 2019. For the first time in seven years, he will visit Pyongyang again this month on the 8th and 9th to hold a summit with State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un. / Photo via Xinhua News Agency

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is visiting North Korea for the first time in about seven years, stated on the 8th that China and North Korea must jointly defend the international order with the United Nations at its core.

In an article contributed to North Korea's Rodong Sinmun newspaper on this day, President Xi stated, "We must jointly defend the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law." He particularly emphasized, "We must oppose hegemonism and power politics, and counter all ambitions and machinations that seek to revive militarism and pose a threat to regional security and stability."

This is interpreted as a remark targeting the United States, which is currently intervening in global international conflicts while stepping back from international multilateral consultation frameworks like the UN, as well as Japan, which is pursuing a "normal state" status.

President Xi said, "We must jointly promote an equal and orderly multipolar world, universal benefits, and inclusive economic globalization, realize the 'Four Global Initiatives,' and work hand in hand to drive the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind."

The 'Four Global Initiatives' appears to be the North Korean expression referring to the Global Security Initiative (GSI), Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), and Global Governance Initiative (GGI) that President Xi has been advocating since entering the 2020s.

President Xi also emphasized that the 'traditional China-North Korea relationship' must enter a new stage.

"China and North Korea are friendly socialist neighbors that protect and help each other and share a common destiny," President Xi said, adding, "I have met with General Secretary Kim Jong Un six times, and while maintaining close strategic communication, we have jointly mapped out the blueprint for the development of China-North Korea relations."

President Xi continued, "We must inherit the fine tradition of high-level exchanges between our two parties and two countries, visiting each other frequently like relatives," adding, "Taking the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the signing of the China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, we will inject powerful momentum into the development of China-North Korea relations by strengthening communication, exchanges, and visits across various sectors and levels among our parties, governments, and militaries, and by successfully implementing the key common understandings of both sides."

Furthermore, he emphasized, "We must firmly defend the political security of both countries by supporting each other in advancing along the socialist path that suits our respective national conditions."

                                                                                                            Mok Yong-jae