Xi vows to advance steady growth of China-DPRK ties

President Xi Jinping on Friday extended congratulations on the 80th founding anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea, saying that Beijing stands ready to work with Pyongyang to strengthen strategic communication, deepen practical cooperation and enhance close coordination to promote the steady development of bilateral ties.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a congratulatory message sent to Kim Jong-un, general secretary of the WPK.

On behalf of the CPC Central Committee and in his own name, Xi extended warm congratulations and best wishes to Kim, the WPK Central Committee, all members of the WPK, and the people of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on the occasion of the anniversary.

Over the past eight decades, the WPK has united and led the DPRK people in forging ahead and overcoming difficulties, achieving remarkable progress in advancing the socialist cause of the DPRK, Xi said.

In recent years, Kim has led the Party and the people of the DPRK in strengthening Party building, developing the economy, and improving people's livelihoods, Xi said, expressing his wish that the DPRK's socialist cause will continue to make new achievements and that the WPK's 9th Congress will be a success.

As neighboring countries connected by mountains and rivers, China and the DPRK are both socialist countries led by communist parties.

Xi said that in recent years, he has held several meetings with Kim to guide and steer the development of relations between the two parties and the two countries, opening a new chapter in the China-DPRK friendship.

Their most recent meeting took place in September, when Kim visited China to attend the commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War. The two leaders held in-depth discussions and charted the course for further developing the friendly and cooperative relations.

Xi reaffirmed in his congratulatory message that, regardless of changes in the international situation, it remains the unwavering policy of the CPC and the Chinese government to maintain, consolidate and develop China-DPRK relations.

He pledged to further advance bilateral ties to better serve the socialist causes of both countries and contribute to regional and global peace, stability and prosperity.

On Thursday, Premier Li Qiang arrived in Pyongyang, leading a Party and government delegation to attend the 80th anniversary celebrations of the WPK and pay an official goodwill visit to the DPRK.

His three-day visit marks the first trip to the DPRK by a Chinese premier in 16 years.

When meeting with Kim, who is also president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, on Thursday, Li said that the CPC and the Chinese government have always viewed ties with the DPRK from a strategic and long-term perspective.

Li called on the two sides to strengthen multilateral collaboration, firmly safeguard and practice multilateralism and promote the development of the international order in a more just and equitable direction.

The DPRK, Kim said, firmly supports the one-China principle, resolutely opposes separatist acts of "Taiwan independence" and any external interference, and supports China's position on issues related to Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Xizang.

Pyongyang is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with Beijing, promote cooperation in various fields, strengthen multilateral collaboration, advance the development of their respective socialist causes, and bring more benefits to the people of the two countries, he added.

On Friday, Li paid homage to the martyrs of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army at a cemetery in Anju, 65 kilometers away from the DPRK capital.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the CPV's participation in the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53).

The premier said that 75 years ago, the CPV soldiers, carrying the great trust of the Chinese people, crossed the Yalu River and fought alongside the army and civilians of the DPRK to defend peace and justice.

After two years and nine months of bloody battles, they finally won a great victory, he added.

"With deep reverence, we pay tribute to the CPV martyrs who sacrificed their lives heroically, and express our profound remembrance," Li said, adding that the motherland and the people will never forget the immortal feats they have forged with their flesh and blood.

Seventy-five years have passed, and China has undergone earth-shaking and historic changes, Li noted, saying that the Chinese nation has made a great leap from standing up to becoming prosperous and strong.

He also called for efforts to continue carrying forward the will of the martyrs, better promote the great spirit of the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea, and constantly advance the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era.

The Chinese side, Li said, stands ready to work with its DPRK comrades to further carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries, strengthen practical cooperation and move forward hand in hand on the path of common development.

Jong Myong-su, vice-premier of the DPRK Cabinet, accompanied Li for the mourning. Some 100 people, including all members of the Chinese delegation and staff at the Chinese embassy in the DPRK, participated in the memorial service.

On Friday, Li also visited the China-DPRK Friendship Tower.

Xinhua contributed to the story.