Chinese General Secretary and President Xi Jinping sent a reply message expressing gratitude for the congratulatory cable sent by State Affairs Commission President Kim Jong-un on the 77th anniversary of China's National Day on October 1. He also reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening friendly relations between the two countries.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to Pyongyang on June 8. The scene seems to show that relations between the two sides have recovered to the point where they exchange congratulatory messages and reply cables. / Xinhua

According to Beijing diplomatic sources well-versed in bilateral ties on the 22nd, President Xi is reported to have stated in his reply cable sent to Chairman Kim on the 20th that "China and the DPRK are connected by mountains and rivers. Being friendly through generations, sharing a common destiny, and defending and helping each other have always been distinct characteristics of China-DPRK relations." The Korean Central News Agency also reported on this, focusing on the facts.

President Xi went on to speak highly of the summit held during his two-day visit to North Korea on June 8 this year, saying that the two sides had "reached a series of important common understandings regarding the deepening development of China-DPRK relations and further strengthened strategic guidance."

He also stressed that "the Chinese side is willing to join hands with the DPRK to let traditional China-DPRK friendship shine, consolidate mutual political trust, and expand and advance practical cooperation. We stand ready to conduct close communication and coordination to enhance the well-being of the people of both nations and make active contributions to regional and world peace and development."

In addition, President Xi remarked, "We are pleased to see the DPRK unfold a new period of comprehensive socialist development," and added, "We believe that under the steadfast leadership of the Workers' Party of Korea headed by Comrade General Secretary, the socialist cause of the DPRK will surely continue to break new ground," thereby also expressing support for North Korea's system development.

Prior to this, Chairman Kim sent a congratulatory message to President Xi on the 1st, marking the 77th anniversary of China's National Day, highlighting the blood alliance between North Korea and China and underscoring his commitment to further advancing their traditional friendly ties and defending common interests.

According to sources, North Korea-China relations underwent a cooling period after 2024 due to the sudden rapprochement between Pyongyang and Moscow as North Korea decided to dispatch troops to the war in Ukraine. However, tensions eased somewhat following Chairman Kim's attendance at China's Victory Day military parade in September of last year and President Xi's visit to North Korea this year. Currently, the two sides are accelerating the restoration of ties. They are even making moves to significantly expand exchanges and cooperation, including the opening of the New Yalu River Bridge in October.

However, according to reports from Beijing sources, it is difficult to say there is no possibility that relations could revert to their previous state at any time. Recalling that both sides have weathered repeated cycles of cooling periods and reconciliations since the Korean War, one can certainly assert that such a possibility remains.

                                                                                                          Hong Soon-do