North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a blitz visit to Dandong, Liaoning Province, China, on the 24th, reaffirming traditional North Korea-China friendship before returning home the same day.

Taking place just a day before the 76th anniversary of Chinese participation in the Korean War, the visit featured a meeting between Kim and Wang Huning, China’s fourth-ranking official and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). Both sides expressed their intent to expand human exchanges and economic cooperation, catalyzed by the opening of the New Yalu River Bridge.

Wreath-Laying at the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea Memorial; Key Aides Including Kim Yo Jong and Choe Son Hui Accompany

According to Chinese state media Xinhua News Agency and China Central Television (CCTV), Chairman Wang greeted General Secretary Kim at the plaza of the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea Memorial in Dandong this morning, delivering greetings and well wishes from Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Accompanying the North Korean leader were key officials, including Workers' Party Secretary Jo Yong Won, Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, International Department Director Kim Sung Nam, First Vice Premier of the Cabinet Kim Duk Hun, and General Affairs Department Deputy Director Kim Yo Jong.

The Chinese side was represented by Wang Yi, Director of the Chinese Communist Party Central Foreign Affairs Commission Office and Foreign Minister; Liu Haitao, Head of the International Liaison Department of the CPC; and Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, among others.

Together with Chairman Wang, General Secretary Kim laid a wreath at the Memorial Tower, stepped up to the platform, and personally straightened the ribbon in front of the floral arrangement. Xinhua reported that the ribbon bore the Korean inscription, "We will remember the martyrs of the Chinese People's Volunteers forever."

The national anthems of both North Korea and China were played at the site, and attendees observed a moment of silence for the fallen Chinese soldiers. Xinhua described the atmosphere as "solemn and dignified."

Kim subsequently toured the memorial hall to view relics and historical materials related to Chinese military battles and joint North Korea-China operations, and donated a historical photograph bearing his personal inscription.

This visit took place one day ahead of the 76th anniversary of China’s entry into the Korean War. China refers to its participation in the conflict as the "War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea" (抗美援朝).

Kim stated, "I specially visited Dandong to commemorate the Chinese People's Volunteers martyrs who supported North Korea with their lives and blood during a historically critical period, and to express sincere gratitude and eternal respect to the heroes of the War to Resist US Aggression."

Wang Huning Pledges Economic Cooperation via New Yalu River Bridge; Kim Jong Un Responds in Kind

Chairman Wang assessed that this visit demonstrates how the North Korean party and government deeply value the blood-forged North Korea-China friendship, holding significant meaning for carrying on traditional friendly relations, consolidating friendly public sentiment, and deepening political trust.

Wang noted that through General Secretary Kim’s visit to China last September and President Xi’s visit to North Korea this June, bilateral relations have entered a new historical phase. He called for implementing the consensus reached by top leaders and advancing relations using shared socialist causes as a link.

In particular, Wang emphasized, "Let us use the opening of the New Yalu River Bridge as an opportunity to expand human travel and economic and trade cooperation, delivering greater benefits to the peoples of both countries." He also stressed strengthening strategic communication and cooperation to create a peaceful and stable external environment safeguarding sovereignty, security, and development interests.

The New Yalu River Bridge is a four-lane road bridge approximately 3 kilometers long connecting Sinuiju, North Korea, and Dandong, China. Although completed in 2014, its official opening was delayed for 12 years until the 15th of this month due to delays in the construction of North Korean connecting roads and customs facilities.

General Secretary Kim evaluated that President Xi’s visit to North Korea this June highlighted the high importance placed on bilateral ties and served as a milestone in their development. He also wished for the successful convening of the 20th Central Committee’s 5th Plenary Session of the Chinese Communist Party (the 20th Fifth Plenary Session).

Noting that this year marks the 65th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between North Korea and China, Kim expressed gratitude for China’s longstanding support and voiced admiration for China’s developmental achievements and international standing under President Xi’s leadership.

Stating that the prospects for bilateral cooperation are bright, Kim affirmed, "We will inherit traditional friendly relations and expand practical cooperation to deliver tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries."

Inspecting a Car Factory and Walking the Bridge Together; Returning Home Without Meeting Xi Jinping

In the afternoon, General Secretary Kim visited a local automobile factory in Dandong alongside Chairman Wang, touring the production facilities and listening to briefings from officials.

CCTV footage also captured Kim and Wang walking across the New Yalu River Bridge together with North Korean and Chinese officials. Xinhua reported that Chairman Wang accompanied Kim to the New Yalu River Bridge to see him off as he concluded his Dandong schedule and departed for home.

This visit marks Kim's first trip to China in one year and one month, following his attendance at China’s 80th anniversary of victory in the War of Resistance events last September, and his 6th overall since taking power. It is his second meeting with Wang Huning in three months, following Wang's visit to Pyongyang last July.

During this visit, General Secretary Kim did not meet with President Xi Jinping, instead asking Chairman Wang to convey his personal greetings and well wishes to President Xi.

President Xi is currently staying in Beijing ahead of next week's major Chinese political event, the 20th Fifth Plenary Session, focusing on preparations for the meeting.

Earlier reports suggested that General Secretary Kim may have also met with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang [Note: Li Chang], the country's second-ranking official, but Premier Li was not mentioned in Xinhua's detailed coverage.

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