North Korea said on the 29th that there was "an in-depth exchange of views on international and regional issues and a complete convergence of views" at the North Korea–China foreign ministers' talks.
The (North) Korean Central News Agency reported that day that North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui and Wang Yi, director of the Chinese Communist Party Central Foreign Affairs Commission Office and minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, met the previous day at the Diaoyutai (Fishing Terrace) State Guesthouse in Beijing.
Although the (North) Korean Central News Agency did not disclose specifics about the claims that the two countries' foreign ministers reached a consensus, it appears that response measures were coordinated in a situation where China–South Korea and U.S.–China summits are expected to be held on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju at the end of next month. The possibility of North Korea–U.S. talks may also have been put on the agenda.
At the talks, Minister Choe said that the 80th anniversary commemoration of China's Victory Day held earlier this month "clearly demonstrated the historical achievements, current international status, and comprehensive national power of the People's Republic of China." She added that "in line with the spirit of the North Korea–China leaders' meeting and talks, we will actively work to deepen and develop the DPRK–China friendship and cooperation."
Choe recalled Chairman of the State Affairs Commission Kim Jong Un's remark at the recently held North Korea–China summit that "no matter how the international situation changes, the feelings of friendship between North Korea and China cannot change, and further strengthening and developing the traditional DPRK–China friendship and cooperation in line with the demands of the times is the unwavering position of the Workers' Party of Korea and the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea."
Director General Wang noted that Minister Choe's visit to China was "the first visit to China by a senior DPRK delegation since the North Korea–China summit," and said that with the two leaders meeting for the first time in six years, they "presented the direction and blueprint for developing bilateral relations at a new and higher stage."
He went on to say, "It is necessary to take the common understanding of the top leaders of the two countries as the fundamental guideline, strengthen strategic communication between the two sides, promote mutual visits and cooperation, and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability," adding, "This visit will serve as an opportunity, in line with the important common understanding achieved by the top leaders of the two countries, to safeguard the common interests of the two countries and further strengthen and develop bilateral relations."
Invited by Director Wang, Minister Choe arrived in Beijing on the 27th and will carry out a four-day visit through the 30th. Having accompanied Chairman of the State Affairs Commission Kim Jong Un on his visit to China from the 1st to 5th and attended the 80th anniversary military parade for China's Victory Day held in Beijing, Minister Choe returned to Beijing after about three weeks.