Pudgy "willing" to improve ties with China
North Korean leader Fat Boy Kim Jong-un has voiced his "willingness" to develop relations between Pyongyang and Beijing in his message to Chinese President Xi Jinping, the North's state media said Friday.
The Chinese just have to do what they're told... | The North's leader delivered such remarks in a congratulatory message to Xi on Thursday to mark the 95th anniversary of the founding of China's communist party, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
"We have a willingness to develop together with the Chinese comrades the DPRK-China friendship with long historical roots as required by the new century ... and defend peace and security in Northeast Asia," Kim was quoted as saying by the KCNA.
The move is seen as part of the North's efforts to mend strained ties with China ahead of their key anniversary this month. North Korea and China will mark the 55th anniversary of the signing of a military treaty on July 11 amid the possibility that Beijing may send a high-ranking official to Pyongyang in return for the latest visit by the North's party official Ri Su-yong to China.
Also on July 27, North Korea will mark the 63rd anniversary of what it claims is its victory in the 1950-53 Korean War, which ended in a truce. China fought alongside the North against South Korea, the United States and the U.N. forces.
Posted by: Steve White 2016-07-03 |