When asked about the background of Kim Jong-un's visit to China, China said, "The development of North Korea-China relations is a firm policy."

(Beijing = Yonhap News) Correspondent Kim Hyun-jung = Regarding the background of North Korea's State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un's surprise visit to China on the 24th, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "Maintaining and developing the Sino-DPRK (North Korea-China) relationship has always been the firm and unwavering strategic policy of the Chinese party and government."

At a regular briefing on the 26th, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jia-kun responded to Yonhap News' request for additional explanation on the background and specific circumstances of Chairman Kim's visit, saying, "China and North Korea are friendly neighbors."

He did not respond to questions about whether Chairman Kim's visit to China was at the invitation of China or at North Korea's suggestion, but only said, "China has already announced related news, so please take note."

Spokesperson Guo continued, "The continuous, healthy and stable development of the traditional friendly and cooperative relationship between China and North Korea is conducive to promoting the welfare of the two peoples, and is also beneficial to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity," and emphasized that the two leaders will continue to implement the important common understanding of the two leaders and push for constant development of the relationship.

According to China's official Xinhua News Agency, Chairman Kim visited Dandong, Liaoning Province, China, via the New Yalu Bridge, connected to Sinuiju, North Pyongan Province, on the 24th and returned home on the same day.

He was received by Wang Huning, Chairman of the National People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), fourth in the hierarchy of Chinese power, visited the Anti-American Assistance and Assistance Memorial Hall, paid tribute to the fallen Chinese soldiers, and also toured a bus assembly plant in Dandong with President Wang.

Chairman Kim explained the purpose of his visit to China on the 25th, saying that it was to commemorate the martyrs of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army ahead of the anniversary of anti-American aid (helping North Korea against the United States). However, some analysts say that he visited China to discuss specific economic and trade cooperation measures and to show off the blood alliance between the two countries to the outside world.