China Russia Pledge Closer Ties With North Korea

Leaders of China and Russia sent congratulatory messages to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un marking the country's 78th founding anniversary, pledging to strengthen strategic relations. The messages, reported by North Korean state media KCNA, underscore ongoing efforts to deepen partnerships between the three nations. Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that strengthening ties with North Korea is a consistent and unwavering policy of his government. He referenced his June visit to Pyongyang as having ushered in a new phase for bilateral relations and expressed a willingness to work with Kim Jong Un to advance the development of both countries' party and state affairs. Xi noted that North Korea has achieved development successes by focusing on economic and social construction. Russian President Vladimir Putin also pledged to maintain close cooperation with Pyongyang, emphasizing their comprehensive strategic partnership. Putin stated that stronger Russia-North Korea ties would contribute to ensuring regional security and establishing a more just, multipolar world order. The expanding alignment between Russia, China, and North Korea is seen as challenging U.S.