On July 11, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged messages to mark 65 years since their countries signed a friendship treaty. Kim, in his note, highlighted Xi’s state visit to Pyongyang the previous month, calling it a key event that reinforced their shared goals for both nations and the socialist cause. Xi responded by pledging to deepen strategic coordination and upheld the partnership as a contributor to regional stability. A North Korean delegation led by Premier Pak Thae-song had arrived in China days earlier for related anniversary events. The exchange underscores the two ruling parties’ continued alignment amid shifting international circumstances.