SEOUL, September 9 (AJP) - North Korea unveiled congratulatory messages from Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, with both leaders pledging to strengthen ties with Pyongyang, as the reclusive country marked the 78th anniversary of its founding on Wednesday.
The messages sent to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ahead of the anniversary were featured on the front page of the state-run Rodong Sinmun, commemorating the country's establishment on Sept. 9, 1948, by regime founder and Kim's grandfather Kim Il-sung.
Calling North Korea a "friendly socialist neighbor," Xi said Beijing would continue to support and strengthen ties with Pyongyang. "It is the consistent and steadfast policy of the Chinese party and government to successfully defend, consolidate and develop the China-[North Korea] relations," he said.
In a similar manner, Putin also emphasized the longstanding relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang, pledging to further strengthen a "comprehensive strategic partnership" between the two countries. He added that closer cooperation would serve both countries' interests and contribute to regional security and the emergence of a more "multipolar" world order.
The messages come as North Korea continues to deepen diplomatic and economic ties with both China and Russia. Pyongyang has increasingly used its ties with the two traditional allies to seek recognition as a nuclear-armed state while strengthening its leverage in negotiations.
North Korean state media also reported that Kim received similar congratulatory messages along with flower baskets from leaders in Belarus, Cambodia, Equatorial Guinea, Laos, Mongolia, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Viet Nam and Zimbabwe.
AJP Takeaways
- Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin pledged to strengthen ties with North Korea in messages to Kim Jong-un on Sept. 9, 2026.
- North Korea is using closer ties with China and Russia to boost its diplomatic leverage and seek recognition as a nuclear-armed state.
- North Korea marked its 78th founding anniversary on September 9, 2026, with congratulatory messages from leaders of 12 countries.
The messages sent to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ahead of the anniversary were featured on the front page of the state-run Rodong Sinmun, commemorating the country's establishment on Sept. 9, 1948, by regime founder and Kim's grandfather Kim Il-sung.
Calling North Korea a "friendly socialist neighbor," Xi said Beijing would continue to support and strengthen ties with Pyongyang. "It is the consistent and steadfast policy of the Chinese party and government to successfully defend, consolidate and develop the China-[North Korea] relations," he said.
In a similar manner, Putin also emphasized the longstanding relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang, pledging to further strengthen a "comprehensive strategic partnership" between the two countries. He added that closer cooperation would serve both countries' interests and contribute to regional security and the emergence of a more "multipolar" world order.
The messages come as North Korea continues to deepen diplomatic and economic ties with both China and Russia. Pyongyang has increasingly used its ties with the two traditional allies to seek recognition as a nuclear-armed state while strengthening its leverage in negotiations.
North Korean state media also reported that Kim received similar congratulatory messages along with flower baskets from leaders in Belarus, Cambodia, Equatorial Guinea, Laos, Mongolia, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Viet Nam and Zimbabwe.
AJP Takeaways
- Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin pledged to strengthen ties with North Korea in messages to Kim Jong-un on Sept. 9, 2026.
- North Korea is using closer ties with China and Russia to boost its diplomatic leverage and seek recognition as a nuclear-armed state.
- North Korea marked its 78th founding anniversary on September 9, 2026, with congratulatory messages from leaders of 12 countries.
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