Story perspectives

Xi and Putin Reaffirm China-Russia Ties With North Korea

9/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed strategic ties with North Korea on its 78th anniversary.
Xi told Kim Jong Un he will continue strengthening China-North Korea strategic guidance.
Putin said he will keep closest joint work with Kim to deepen Russia-North Korea comprehensive strategic partnership.
Both leaders claimed stronger ties will boost regional security and foster a more just multipolar world order.

History

Historical Context

The 1961 Sino-North Korean Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, signed on July 11, 1961, cemented Beijing’s defense pact with Pyongyang. The agreement obligated China to dispatch up to 100,000 troops if North Korea faced aggression, a commitment the People’s Liberation Army fulfilled during the Korean War. Today, Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un echo that legacy, proclaiming renewed strategic guidance and a comprehensive partnership to counter perceived Western dominance. The revived triad threatens to reshape East Asian security architecture, prompting neighboring states and the United Nations to reassess deterrence postures and diplomatic outreach.

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Story summary

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed strategic ties with North Korea on its 78th anniversary.
Xi told Kim Jong Un he will continue strengthening China-North Korea strategic guidance.
Putin said he will keep closest joint work with Kim to deepen Russia-North Korea comprehensive strategic partnership.
Both leaders claimed stronger ties will boost regional security and foster a more just multipolar world order.

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