China, Russia and Serbia Extend Diplomatic Outreach as North Korea Opens First WPK Congress
Updated (5 articles)
Opening of the Workers’ Party Congress Marks Historic Milestone The Workers’ Party of Korea convened its first congress since 2021 on Feb. 19, 2026, outlining major economic, defense and policy goals for the coming years. The gathering, North Korea’s top decision‑making body, signals a renewed focus on internal development after a five‑year hiatus. Both Yonhap reports note the congress’s significance for domestic and regional politics[1][2].
China and Russia Send Formal Congratulations Emphasizing Strategic Partnership China’s Communist Party central committee and Russia’s United Russia chief Dmitry Medvedev mailed letters of congratulations on consecutive days, praising the “friendship, strategic partnership and resistance to external pressure” between their nations and Pyongyang[2]. Medvedev’s message highlighted expanded trustworthy discussions and regional stability, while the Chinese party described the relationship as entering a “new historic era”[2]. Both letters reinforce diplomatic support for North Korea amid heightened international scrutiny[1].
Chinese Ambassador’s Lunar New Year Visit Aims to Boost Tourism Chinese ambassador Wang Yajun toured the Wonsan‑Kalma beach resort on Lunar New Year, meeting North Korea’s Vice Foreign Minister Pak Myong‑ho to discuss attracting Chinese tourists[1]. The visit underscores Beijing’s intent to deepen people‑to‑people ties and economic engagement with Pyongyang. Simultaneously, Kim Jong‑un sent a congratulatory letter to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Serbia’s Statehood Day, expressing hopes of deepening bilateral relations[1].
Joint Messaging Highlights Regional Peace and Development Goals Both Chinese and Russian communications framed their support as contributing to “peace and stability in the Asia Pacific region,” aligning with North Korea’s own rhetoric at the congress opening[2]. The Chinese party’s declaration of a “new historic era” for China‑North Korea ties reinforces a narrative of collaborative development and shared strategic interests[2]. These coordinated messages illustrate a concerted effort by allied states to present a united front amid external pressures[1].
Sources
-
1.
Yonhap: China, Serbia and Russia Extend Diplomatic Outreach to North Korea – Details Chinese ambassador’s Lunar New Year resort visit, Kim’s letter to Serbia’s president, and congratulatory letters from China and Russia on the WPK congress opening.
-
2.
Yonhap: China, Russia Congratulate North Korea on Opening First WPK Congress in Five Years – Focuses on the timing and content of Chinese and Russian letters, Medvedev’s remarks, and the Chinese party’s “new historic era” description, plus congress objectives.
Timeline
1974 – North Korea and Laos establish diplomatic relations, maintaining regular high‑level visits and cooperation agreements that form the foundation of today’s partnership[5].
2021 – North Korea holds its previous Workers’ Party of Korea congress, the last before a five‑year hiatus, setting a benchmark for the 2026 gathering[2].
Oct 7, 2025 – Kim Jong‑un meets Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith in Pyongyang during the 80th anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, and they agree to deepen bilateral cooperation across sectors, with Laos among the few foreign delegations attending the military parade[5].
Dec 2, 2025 – Kim Jong‑un sends a formal congratulatory message to President Sisoulith on the 50th anniversary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, praising “remarkable successes” and pledging continued friendly cooperation in line with the October summit[5].
Jan 8, 2026 – Kim Jong‑un dispatches a congratulatory message to President Sisoulith on his reelection as general secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, describing it as a sign of high public trust and pledging expanded cooperation while recalling their October 2025 Pyongyang talks[3][4].
Feb 19, 2026 – The Workers’ Party of Korea opens its first congress since 2021, outlining major goals for the economy, defense and other sectors, and Kim Jong‑un addresses the opening, emphasizing leadership continuity[2].
Feb 19, 2026 – Dmitry Medvedev, chief of United Russia, sends a congratulatory letter to Kim Jong‑un, highlighting “traditional friendship” and “strategic partnership” that help defy external pressure and ensure peace and stability in the Asia‑Pacific region[2].
Feb 20, 2026 – The Chinese Communist Party’s central committee sends a letter congratulating North Korea on the congress, declaring a “new historic era” for China‑North Korea ties and pledging joint guidance of stable development and regional peace[2].
Feb 20, 2026 – Chinese ambassador Wang Yajun tours the Wonsan‑Kalma beach resort for Lunar New Year, meets Vice Foreign Minister Pak Myong‑ho and promotes Chinese tourism to North Korea as part of Pyongyang’s outreach[1].
Feb 20, 2026 – Kim Jong‑un sends a congratulatory letter to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić on Serbia’s Statehood Day, expressing hope to deepen bilateral ties and marking the anniversary of the 1804 uprising[1].
All related articles (5 articles)
-
Yonhap: China, Serbia and Russia Extend Diplomatic Outreach to North Korea
-
Yonhap: China, Russia Congratulate North Korea on Opening First WPK Congress in Five Years
-
Yonhap: Kim Jong-un congratulates Lao president on reelection, pledges closer ties
-
Yonhap: Kim Jong-un congratulates Lao president on reelection as party chief
-
Yonhap: North Korea’s Kim Congratulates Laos on Party’s 50th Anniversary