China, North Korea pledge stronger strategic coordination

BEIJING — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Saturday called for closer strategic coordination and expanded cooperation with North Korea during talks with North Korean Premier Pak Thae Song in Beijing.According to state-run Xinhua News Agency, Li said China is ready to continue upholding the China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance by increasing high-level exchanges, strengthening political mutual trust and expanding practical cooperation.Pak is on a three-day official visit to China as the two countries mark the 65th anniversary of the treaty, which was signed on July 11, 1961, and includes a mutual defense provision.Li said Beijing is prepared to align development strategies with Pyongyang, expand economic and trade exchanges, promote connectivity, deepen cooperation in sectors including healthcare and education, and improve the well-being of people in both countries.He also said China and North Korea should strengthen strategic coordination amid what he described as a rapidly changing international environment, while jointly safeguarding their legitimate interests and promoting international fairness and justice.Pak reaffirmed North Korea’s support for China in protecting its core interests and expressed Pyongyang’s willingness to expand cooperation in trade, science and technology, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges.He also called for closer coordination between the two countries on international issues.China remains North Korea’s largest trading partner and principal economic ally, as Pyongyang continues to face extensive international sanctions over its nuclear weapons program.