North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has praised the country’s “friendly and cooperative” relationship with China as he hosted Chinese Premier Li Qiang and other foreign dignitaries for celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party, state media reported on Friday.
China remains North Korea’s most significant ally, though their relations have occasionally been strained by Pyongyang’s nuclear ambitions.
A massive military parade was expected in Pyongyang on Friday night to showcase the country’s latest strategic weapons, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). South Korea’s military said it had observed “rehearsals, mobilising equipment and missiles,” indicating a high likelihood the parade would proceed despite light rain expected later in the day, which could affect any planned air displays.
The celebrations come as Kim strengthens ties with Russia amid the war in Ukraine. Pyongyang has reportedly sent thousands of troops to support Moscow’s forces, securing critical political backing from the Kremlin. Russia’s former president and current deputy head of its Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, is among the high-profile guests attending the anniversary events.
Kim described Li’s visit as a demonstration of Beijing’s “invariable support and special friendly feeling” toward North Korea’s leadership and people, according to state news agency KCNA. He also commended China’s efforts to preserve and deepen the traditional bilateral relationship.
Last month, Kim stood alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a grand military parade in Beijing, underlining his growing diplomatic engagement with both powers.
On Thursday, mass games and artistic performances were held at Pyongyang’s May Day Stadium, where Kim delivered a defiant speech attended by Medvedev and Vietnam’s Communist Party chief, To Lam.
“Today our people are standing in front of the world as powerful beings who know no insurmountable difficulties and no unachievable cause,” Kim declared.
The anniversary events come amid speculation of possible diplomatic contact between North Korea and the United States during this year’s APEC summit in South Korea. While former US President Donald Trump held three meetings with Kim during his term, no lasting agreement on Pyongyang’s nuclear program emerged. North Korea has since declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear power.
In a joint statement released Thursday by Moscow and Pyongyang, Russia’s ruling party reaffirmed “firm support” for North Korea’s efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities.
“Kim’s greatest concern is how to assure the continued survival and the international acceptance of his regime,” said Sergey Radchenko, a professor at Johns Hopkins University. “In this sense, a multi-vector diplomacy that includes China, in addition to Russia, makes sense”
