China and Korea pledge cooperation “in the face of foreign hostility” | Chinese News

Kim says China-North Korea ties are crucial in the face of foreign enemy forces, while Xi promises to take cooperation to a “new stage.”

North Korean and Chinese leaders have exchanged messages pledged to strengthen cooperation on the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Aid Agreement.

In a message to China on Sunday, Xi Jinping said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said the relationship between them was crucial in the face of foreign enemy forces, and promised that Xi would take the cooperation to a “new stage,” the North Korean news agency KCNA reported.

China has been North Korea’s only major ally since the two sides signed the treaty in 1961.

Meanwhile, international sanctions on Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles have made Beijing’s trade and other aid more dependent than ever.

“Despite the intricate international situation it has never had in recent years, the trust and militant friendship between the DPRK and China are strengthening day by day,” Kim said in his message, the KCNA reported, using North Korea’s official name initials.

The pact is defending socialism and peace in Asia, “because now enemy forces are becoming more desperate in their challenges and disruptive movements,” Kim said.

Xi’s message said he intends to bring greater happiness to the two countries and their people by strengthening communication with Kim and “constantly bringing the friendship and cooperation relations between the two countries to a new stage,” the KCNA said.

The China-North Korea treaty is in force for 20 years and was renewed in 1981 and 2001.

The North Korean-controlled NK News website said on Sunday that Xi and Kim were hoping to extend the pact for another 20 years.