(LEAD) N.K. leader vows to advance ties with China during surprise Dandong visit

SEOUL, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un paid a surprise visit to Dandong, China, to strengthen the longstanding relationship between the two countries, state media reported. This was Kim's first known trip to China since September 2025, when he attended events marking the 80th anniversary of World War II's end and met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Kim vowed to promote the friendship forged in blood during their encounter with Wang Huning, China's fourth-highest-ranking official and leader of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. The North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) confirmed Kim met with other Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi and party department director Kim Yo-jong, during his visit.

Kim paid respects at a war memorial honoring Chinese soldiers who fought in the Korean War, expressing gratitude for their sacrifices. He also attended a banquet hosted by Wang and visited a bus factory in Dandong. The visit comes as North Korea seeks to enhance ties with China, which is its most important economic partner and diplomatic ally.

The two nations have increased high-level exchanges following Xi's visit to Pyongyang in June 2026, when they pledged to expand cooperation across various fields. The latest trip also precedes a planned Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in China next month, where U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to attend.