A member of the CCP Politburo Standing Committee, he oversees ideology and theory. A key figure in Xi Jinping's leadership.

What is the Sino-North Korean Friendship Treaty?

A 1961 mutual defense pact, it remains China's only active military alliance, requiring mutual defense support.

What was the purpose of this visit?

To deepen bilateral ties on the 65th anniversary, enhance strategic coordination, and expand cooperation in economy and culture.

What is the current China-North Korea relationship?

Traditionally allied, but complex due to sanctions. China is North Korea's largest trade partner despite restrictions.

What is Jo Yong Won's position?

A key Workers' Party Secretary involved in foreign affairs and inter-Korean policy, close to Kim Jong Un.

China and North Korea Exchange High-Level Visits as Wang Huning Travels to Pyongyang to Discuss Deepening Bilateral Ties

Published Jul 16, 2026 12:49 PM ・ Updated Jul 16, 2026 3:11 PM ・ 4 min read ・ Source: CNA (Central News Agency)

Wang Huning, a member of China's Politburo Standing Committee, met with North Korea's ruling party official Jo Yong Won in Pyongyang, discussing ways to elevate bilateral relations on the 65th anniversary of the Sino-North Korean friendship treaty.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported today that Wang Huning, a member of the Chinese Communist Party Politburo Standing Committee, held talks in Pyongyang with Jo Yong Won, a senior official of North Korea's ruling party. Wang emphasized advancing bilateral relations to a new stage, marking the 65th anniversary of the signing of the friendship treaty between the two nations.

According to KCNA, a Chinese delegation led by Wang Huning arrived in Pyongyang on the 15th at the invitation of the North Korean government.

During the talks, Wang highlighted that this year marks the 65th anniversary of the signing of the 'Sino-North Korean Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance.' He reaffirmed that the Chinese Communist Party and Chinese government will continue to follow the important agreements reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during Xi's visit to Pyongyang, aiming to elevate the bilateral relationship to a higher level.

Jo Yong Won, a secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, told the Chinese side that North Korea is willing to further strengthen strategic communication and cooperation with Beijing.

The two sides also discussed improving people's livelihoods and enhancing cooperation in various fields, including trade, culture, and party-to-party exchanges, though no further details were provided.

Reuters noted that earlier this month, North Korean Premier Pak Thae Song visited Beijing to attend commemorative events marking the 65th anniversary of the treaty's signing, during which he met with Xi Jinping.

At that time, Xi urged both countries to maintain 'strategic stability' amid turbulent international conditions and to accelerate the implementation of various consensus points reached between him and Kim Jong Un.

China and North Korea signed the 'Sino-North Korean Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance' on July 11, 1961. It remains the only mutual defense treaty currently in force that China has ever signed. (Translation Intern: Huang Yu-Han / Reviewer: Chen Yi-Wei) 1150716

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Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
Category: Taiwan

China and North Korea Exchange High-Level Visits as Wang Huning Travels to Pyongyang to Discuss Deepening Bilateral Ties

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