China Urges North Korea to Oppose ‘Hegemony’

China has called on North Korea to strengthen bilateral cooperation and jointly oppose hegemony, in what was interpreted as a thinly veiled reference to the United States, Chinese officials said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his North Korean counterpart, Choe Son-hui, in Beijing on Sunday, just weeks after a rare visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who aimed to further develop the countries’ bilateral relations.

“Maintaining, consolidating, and developing China-DPRK relations has always been the unswerving strategic policy of the Chinese government,” Wang told Choe, using the acronym for North Korea.

Wang added: “China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with the DPRK in international and regional affairs, oppose all forms of hegemonism, and safeguard the common interests of both sides and international fairness and justice.”

According to analysts, Wang’s remarks were a direct reference to the United States, which China has regarded as its primary geopolitical competitor in recent years across a broad range of economic and strategic arenas.

North Korea’s state news agency, KCNA, reported on Monday that the ministers had reached full agreement on a range of issues discussed during their meeting.

“They exchanged views on international and regional issues in depth and reached complete consensus,” KCNA said, as cited by Yonhap News Agency in South Korea.

Despite periodic tensions between China and North Korea over Pyongyang’s nuclear programme, the two neighbours have maintained close political, economic, and diplomatic ties.

Earlier this month, Kim stood alongside Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing during a large military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, signalling continued alignment between the two countries.

Beijing serves as a vital source of support for the isolated nuclear state, providing diplomatic, economic, and political backing, while both countries share common opposition to the United States.

Kim has stated that he is willing to resume dialogue with Washington if the US stops demanding that North Korea abandon its nuclear weapons programme. Pyongyang justifies its nuclear arsenal by citing perceived threats from the United States and its allies, including South Korea.

The meeting underscores Beijing’s ongoing role as Pyongyang’s key ally, highlighting a strategic partnership aimed at counterbalancing US influence in East Asia.