China applauds North Korea on party conclave in ‘new historical period’ of ties

South China Morning Post · Feb 20, 2026 · Collected from RSS

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China has joined Russia in congratulating North Korea on the conclave of its ruling party, hailing economic achievements under the leadership of Kim Jong-un and pledging to work with Pyongyang to promote regional peace.According to state news agency Xinhua, the Central Committee of China’s Communist Party sent a congratulatory message to Pyongyang on Thursday, asserting that the ruling Workers’ Party had in recent years helped to develop the North Korean economy and improve the lives of its people.The Workers’ Party’s ninth congress – and the first such meeting in five years – was of “great significance”, the committee said in its note, and wished the North Korean people “continued success in their socialist construction under the strong leadership” of the party and its leader, Kim.“In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and countries, China-North Korea relations have entered a new historical period,” ran the message from the Central Committee, China’s highest political-executive organ.It added that China had always attached strong importance to developing relations with North Korea and was willing to deepen exchanges and contribute to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity.Xi says China stands firm on strategic ties with North KoreaXi says China stands firm on strategic ties with North KoreaThe Workers’ Party opened its rare congress – held only every five years – on Thursday, where Pyongyang will outline major policy goals in areas ranging from defence to diplomacy and economy. The meeting is expected to run for several days.