According to Pengpai News, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a regular press conference this afternoon. A reporter asked Mao Ning for details regarding Wang Yi's visit to North Korea and China's expectations for the trip. Mao Ning stated that China and North Korea are friendly neighbors connected by mountains and rivers, and maintaining, consolidating, and developing bilateral relations has always been a firm strategic policy of the Chinese Party and government. Mao Ning added that Wang Yi's visit is an important initiative for implementing the consensus reached by the top leaders of both parties and countries, and for promoting the development of bilateral relations. China is willing to strengthen strategic communication and close exchanges and cooperation with North Korea to continuously advance their traditional friendly cooperative relationship. On April 6th, South Korean authorities expressed regret over North Korea's civilian drone intrusion in January, with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung calling the action "irresponsible" and stating that government officials were involved. The South Korean military announced that North Korea fired "multiple unidentified ballistic missiles" into the East Sea on the 8th, marking the second consecutive day of launching unidentified flying objects. Experts believe this action signifies North Korea's rejection of South Korea's peace overtures. South Korean National Assembly members stated on the 6th that the South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS) believes North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has positioned his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, as his successor, and her recent public appearance driving a tank may be aimed at dispelling doubts about a female heir. (Editor: Chen Kaiyu / Qiu Guoqiang) 1150408

FACT BOX

  • Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
  • Category: Event