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Xi Jinping hails ‘new era’ in China’s ties with North Korea amid rising tensions in region
- The Chinese leader’s comments in a message to Kim Jong-un come as the US, Japan and South Korea move to strengthen their three-way relationship
- Kim is also expected to travel to Russia soon to meet Vladimir Putin, a move that analysts warn could further polarise the region
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President Xi Jinping has pledged China’s “unswerving” support for North Korea amid growing concerns about a nuclear-armed Pyongyang and a deepening ideological and geopolitical divide in Northeast Asia.
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Xi sent a congratulatory message to Kim Jong-un on Saturday as North Korea marked the 75th anniversary of the country’s founding with a parade attended by a Chinese delegation led by vice-premier Liu Guozhong.
It coincided with the opening of the Group of 20 summit in New Delhi on Saturday, which Xi did not attend.
Observers believe Xi’s remarks underpin China’s continued tilt toward North Korea as the United States moves to strengthen military ties with its allies South Korea and Japan.
In his message to Kim, Xi said the pair had met five times, kept close communication “through various forms”, and elevated their ties “into a new era”, according to China’s official Xinhua news agency.
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He hailed the two countries as “friendly neighbours linked by the same mountain and river” in contrast to last year’s message that described Kim as “a good comrade, good neighbour and good friend”.
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