China and North Korea agree to resist ‘hegemony’, Foreign Ministry says

In a veiled reference to the nations’ confrontations with the US, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that China and North Korea have pledged to work together to combat “hegemonism” and “unilateralism” in international affairs.

Kim Jong Un traveled to China on Sunday for an event to commemorate the anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II, but Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his counterpart Choe Son Hui, both of whom are North Koreans, met in Beijing for talks.

According to a readout from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Wang told Choe that “China is willing to strengthen coordination and collaboration with North Korea on international and regional affairs, oppose all forms of hegemonism, and defend their shared interests and international fairness and justice.”

According to Choe, North Korea views China’s “community with a shared future for mankind” and its Global Governance Initiative as significant contributions to the “promotion of a multipolar world” in the ministry’s view.

According to the readout, Choe said, “North Korea strongly supports these initiatives and is willing to collaborate closely with China to jointly combat unilateralism and power politics and advance the development of a more just and equitable world order.”

“North Korea also wishes the Chinese people more success through unity and struggle under the leadership of the Communist Party of China.”

According to Choe, Kim claimed that Pyongyang and Beijing’s “bonds of friendship” cannot be altered and that their relations should evolve “in accordance with the demands of the times” (Korea Central News Agency).

Beijing and Washington are engaged in a fierce rivalry that spannes a range of industries, from artificial intelligence to trade.

Pyongyang and Washington have long had a tense relationship because of its illicit nuclear and ballistic missile programs.