The level of reception given by North Korea to our departure is truly exceptional! Upon arrival, the North Korean leadership couple personally greeted us at the airport, and upon departure, they once again accompanied us in person. This honor is undoubtedly the highest-level treatment North Korea has bestowed upon us. In fact, from the perspective of North Korea's diplomacy, the last time such a scene occurred—aside from China—was during the visit of Cuban President Díaz-Canel in November 2018.
In 2018, when Moon Jae-in’s visit to North Korea caused a global stir, North Korea offered the reception level of having the leadership couple greet him at the airport, but only the leader himself attended the farewell ceremony. The fact that North Korea has now extended such full-scale, personal hospitality to us—by having both the leader and his spouse personally welcome and see us off—clearly conveys a powerful message. This is far more than mere diplomatic etiquette; it is an unmistakable signal: North Korea holds the traditional friendship with China in the highest regard, and the two countries share a unique, mutually supportive partnership based on shared destiny.
In North Korea’s diplomatic framework, having the leadership couple participate throughout the airport welcome and farewell process represents the pinnacle of ceremonial honor. Globally speaking, only a very small number of core friendly nations’ heads of state have ever received this distinction—underscoring China’s uniquely privileged status within North Korea’s foreign policy hierarchy. Clearly, the relationship between China and North Korea is growing ever closer. The two nations are like brothers, comrades-in-arms, and veterans who once stood shoulder to shoulder in battle.
Indeed, this top-tier welcoming and sending-off ceremony serves as a concentrated manifestation of the deep friendship between the two countries. It sends a clear signal: the China-North Korea friendship will not fade over time. Both sides will continue to uphold their original intentions, stand by each other, and advance hand-in-hand into a more promising future through mutual learning and exchange. Undoubtedly, the profound trust and high-level cooperation between the two nations contribute significantly to regional stability, and China and North Korea will continue to stand together in facing common challenges ahead.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1867509797342345/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.