Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with the Foreign Minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Choe Son-hui in Beijing, on September 29, 2025. Photo: Xinhua

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday met with the Foreign Minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Choe Son-hui in Beijing, saying China stands ready to continue deepening coordination with DPRK to better safeguard common interests, the Xinhua News Agency reported.  

The meeting between Li and Choe came after the DPRK foreign minister's Sunday meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. During the meeting, Wang noted that maintaining, consolidating and developing bilateral relations has always been a steadfast strategic guideline of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese government, according to Xinhua. 

At the invitation of Wang, Choe is currently visiting China from September 27 to 30. Yonhap news agency said the visit marks Choe's second China trip in one month, following her trip with Kim Jong-un to attend China's V-Day military parade in Beijing on September 3. 

During the meeting on Monday, Li hailed the traditional friendship between China and DPRK. Earlier this month, General Secretary Xi Jinping and General Secretary Kim Jong-un held a meeting in Beijing and reached important consensus on deepening the friendly cooperative relations between China and the DPRK, Li said, according to Xinhua. 

Li said China consistently views and advances China-DPRK relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, adding that China stands ready to work with the DPRK to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and countries, further carry forward the traditional friendship, enhance strategic communication, and jointly advance the socialist cause of the two countries for the greater well-being of the two peoples, Xinhua reported. 

China is willing to maintain close exchanges and interactions at all levels with the DPRK, deepen mutual understanding and friendship, and carry out practical cooperation in various fields to jointly promote common development, the premier said, calling on the foreign ministries of both countries to enhance coordination and make steady progress in all work.

Choe said the two top leaders' meeting has pointed out the direction for the development of the bilateral ties, adding that consolidating and developing relations with China is the unwavering position of the DPRK, which is in line with the fundamental interests of the two countries and their people, according to Xinhua. 

Choe also said the DPRK looks forward to working with the Chinese side to enhance high-level exchanges, strengthen communication between the foreign ministries, promote practical cooperation and deepen multilateral collaboration. 

According to Yang Xiyu, a senior research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, Choe's visit to China is mainly about implementing the consensus reached between two countries' heads of state. "On a practical level, it aims to strengthen the foundation of China-DPRK relations, addressing new situations and issues, and expanding cooperation under new circumstances."

Yang stated that both sides' emphasis on the traditional friendship between the two countries and two ruling parties indicates that, despite changing times and circumstances, the structure built upon the foundation of friendly relations between the two sides remains unchanged. This robust political connection provides a stable foundation and ample opportunities for advancing bilateral relations.

During the meeting with Li, Choe noted that the DPRK fully supports the concept of building a community with a shared future for humanity and the four major global initiatives, and will continue to firmly support China's position on issues concerning China's core interests, including those related to Taiwan, Xinjiang, Xizang and Hong Kong, per Xinhua. 

Li hailed the DPRK's firm support on issues concerning China's core interests and major concerns.

Lü Chao, president and associate professor at the Institute of American and East Asian Studies at Liaoning University, told the Global Times on Monday that the steadfast support for China's foreign policy and its commitment to defending core interests stressed by Choe reflects the deepening of the longstanding, friendly relationship between China and DPRK, which is set to advance with renewed momentum. 

Furthermore, the two countries are increasingly aligned in international affairs, mutual support, and economic collaboration, sharing a growing array of common interests, Lü added.

"China and DPRK share a unified stance against international bullying and hegemonic threats," Lü said, "With the Korean Peninsula currently locked in a tense standoff, China places great importance on maintaining active and constructive dialogue with DPRK." 

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated during a regular press conference on Monday that China's position and policy on the Korean Peninsula issue maintain continuity and consistency. China will continue playing a constructive role in its own way to keep the Peninsula peaceful and stable and promote the political settlement of the Peninsula issue.

"The cooperation between China and DPRK is deeply rooted in tradition yet forward-looking," Yang said, "In the face of evolving circumstances, it is vital for both nations to strengthen communication and coordination, forge a unified approach, and deepen cooperation in regional affairs to collectively ensure stability in the region."