Xi Sends Congratulatory Letter to Kim After Reelection, China‑North Korea Ties Deepen
Updated (7 articles)
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Image: Yonhap
Kim Jong-un Reelected at Ninth Workers’ Party Congress The Workers’ Party of Korea’s ninth congress opened on Feb. 19, 2026, marking the first party gathering since 2021, and concluded on its fourth day with Kim Jong‑un reaffirmed as general secretary [1][3]. KCNA reported the congress’s agenda to set economic, defence and societal goals, underscoring leadership continuity [3]. The reelection signals uninterrupted party control and validates the regime’s internal power structure [1].
Xi Jinping Sends Letter Praising Kim’s Socialist Achievements President Xi Jinping dispatched a formal congratulatory telegram to Kim shortly after the congress, lauding “new results in building a Korean socialist country” and citing “high trust and heartfelt support” from the North Korean people [1]. The letter reiterated China‑North Korea’s status as “friendly socialist neighbors” and pledged to advance bilateral ties [1]. Xi urged both sides to implement accords reached in recent leader meetings, describing the effort as opening “a new chapter” in relations [1].
Russia and China Dispatch Congratulatory Letters During Congress Opening On Feb. 20, United Russia chief Dmitry Medvedev sent a letter celebrating the congress opening, emphasizing the “traditional friendship” and “strategic partnership” that help defy external pressure and ensure regional stability [2][3]. The Chinese Communist Party’s central committee followed with its own letter, declaring a “new historic era” for China‑North Korea relations and promising joint guidance of stable development [3]. Both messages highlighted expanded trustworthy discussions on mutual interests and a shared commitment to peace in the Asia‑Pacific [2][3].
Additional Diplomatic Moves Include Serbia Letter and Tourist Visit Earlier in February, Kim Jong‑un mailed a congratulatory note to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić on Serbia’s Statehood Day, expressing hopes to deepen bilateral ties [2]. Chinese Ambassador Wang Yajun and other embassy officials toured the Wonsan‑Kalma beach resort for the Lunar New Year, meeting Vice Foreign Minister Pak Myong‑ho and signaling Pyongyang’s push to attract Chinese tourists [2]. These outreach efforts illustrate North Korea’s broader strategy of cultivating diplomatic goodwill beyond its traditional allies [2].
Sources
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1.
Yonhap: Xi Congratulates Kim on Reelection, Pledges Stronger China‑North Korea Ties: Details Xi’s congratulatory telegram, praise for Kim’s socialist achievements, and commitment to deepen bilateral relations after the party congress.
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2.
Yonhap: China, Serbia and Russia Extend Diplomatic Outreach to North Korea: Reports Chinese ambassador’s Lunar New Year resort visit, Kim’s letter to Serbia’s president, and congratulations from China and Russia on the congress opening.
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3.
Yonhap: China, Russia Congratulate North Korea on Opening First WPK Congress in Five Years: Highlights letters from Medvedev and the Chinese Communist Party, describing a “new historic era” and resistance to external pressure during the congress.
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Timeline
1974 – North Korea and Laos establish diplomatic relations, beginning a long‑standing partnership that later underpins high‑level exchanges and joint statements [7].
2021 – The Workers’ Party of Korea holds its previous congress, marking the last time the party convenes before the 2026 session and highlighting the significance of the 2026 congress as the first in five years [3].
Oct 2025 – Kim Jong‑un hosts Vietnamese President To Lam during the 80th anniversary of the Workers’ Party, where they agree to “deepen ties” and expand high‑level exchanges, with Kim noting “deep trust from all party members and the Vietnamese people” [4].
Oct 7, 2025 – Kim meets Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith in Pyongyang during the same 80th‑anniversary celebrations, and both leaders pledge to “strengthen bilateral cooperation across sectors,” recalling the meeting as an “important landmark” [5][7].
Dec 2, 2025 – Kim sends a formal congratulatory message on the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party’s 50th anniversary, praising “remarkable successes” and expressing belief that “friendly and cooperative relations … will continue to develop on good terms” [7].
Jan 8, 2026 – Kim congratulates President Sisoulith on his reelection as Lao party chief, describing it as an “expression of high trust and expectation from Lao party members and the Lao people” and pledging to expand cooperation while recalling their October summit [5][6].
Jan 25, 2026 – Kim congratulates Vietnam’s To Lam on reelection, calling his return to the “important duty of the general secretary” a sign of deep trust and citing the 2025 agreement to “deepen ties” across political, economic and cultural fields [4].
Feb 19, 2026 – The Workers’ Party of Korea opens its first congress in five years, with Kim addressing the gathering and emphasizing leadership continuity as the party sets goals for the economy, defense and other sectors [3].
Feb 20, 2026 – Dmitry Medvedev writes to Kim, stressing that “traditional friendship and strategic partnership help defy ‘external pressure’ and ensure ‘peace and stability in the Asia Pacific region’,” while the Chinese Communist Party’s central committee declares a “new historic era” for China‑North Korea ties [3].
Feb 20, 2026 – Chinese Ambassador Wang Yajun tours the Wonsan‑Kalma beach resort for Lunar New Year, meeting Vice Foreign Minister Pak Myong‑ho, and Kim sends a congratulatory letter to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić on Statehood Day, signaling broader diplomatic outreach [2].
Feb 23, 2026 – Xi Jinping sends a congratulatory letter to Kim on his reelection, praising “achieving new results in building a Korean socialist country” and “high trust and heartfelt support,” reaffirming that China and North Korea are “friendly socialist neighbors” and pledging to open “a new chapter” in bilateral relations [1].
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Yonhap: Xi Congratulates Kim on Reelection, Pledges Stronger China‑North Korea Ties
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