At the invitation of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and President Xi Jinping, Chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong-un paid an unofficial visit to China from March 25 to 28, 2018.

During the visit, Xi Jinping held talks with Kim Jong-un at the Great Hall of the People. General Secretary Xi Jinping and his wife Mme. Peng Liyuan held a welcoming banquet for Chairman Kim Jong-un and his wife Mme. Ri Sol-ju and watched an art performance together.

Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Premier Li Keqiang, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee Wang Huning and Vice President Wang Qishan respectively attended related activities.

During the talks, Xi Jinping expressed warm welcome on behalf of the CPC Central Committee to Kim Jong-un for his first visit to China. Xi Jinping expressed that you sent me a congratulatory message after the 19th CPC National Congress on my re-election as General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and the assumption of office as Chairman of the CPC Central Military Commission (CMC), and sent a congratulatory message to me again several days ago at the first moment after my election as Chinese President and Chairman of the CMC of China, for which I am grateful. Xi Jinping said that Kim Jong-un's visit to China this time, which comes at a special time and is of great significance, fully embodies the great importance that Comrade Chairman and the WPK Central Committee have attached to the relations between the two parties and the two countries. China speaks highly of this visit.

Kim Jong-un expressed that major and happy events have taken place consecutively in China recently, as the 19th CPC National Congress was held successfully last year, and the Two Sessions were successfully held not long ago. Comrade Xi Jinping enjoyed the support of the CPC and the people of the whole country, became the core of the leadership and was elected as Chinese President and Chairman of the CMC of China. Kim Jong-un said that according to the DPRK-China friendly tradition, it is his obligation to come to China to congratulate Xi Jinping in person. At present, the Korean Peninsula situation has been developing rapidly and many important changes have taken place. Kim Jong-un said that he should also brief Comrade General Secretary Xi Jinping in person and in time on the situation out of comradeship and moral responsibility.

Xi Jinping pointed out that the China-DPRK traditional friendship, established personally and cultivated meticulously by the elder generations of leaders of both parties and both countries, is the precious wealth of both sides. Looking back into those years, with common ideals and beliefs as well as profound revolutionary friendship, the elder generations of leaders of the two countries trusted and supported each other, writing a fine story in the history of international relations. Several generations of the leaders of China and the DPRK have maintained close exchanges all the time and paid frequent visits to each other like relatives. The two parties and the two countries have supported each other and coordinated with each other during long-term practices, making important contributions to the development of the socialist cause. Both Comrade Chairman and I have personally experienced and witnessed the development of the China-DPRK relationship. Both sides have stated repeatedly that the China-DPRK traditional friendship should be passed on continuously and developed better. This is a strategic choice and also the only right choice both sides have made based on history and reality, the international and regional structure and the general situation of the China-DPRK relations. This should not and will not change because of any single event at a particular time.

Xi Jinping stressed that the CPC and the Chinese government highly value the China-DPRK friendly cooperative relations. It has always been an unswerving policy of the CPC and the Chinese government to well maintain, consolidate and develop the relations with the DPRK. The Chinese side is willing to, together with comrades of the DPRK, remain true to original aspiration, jointly move forward, and promote long-term, sound and stable development of the China-DPRK relations, in a bid to benefit the two countries and the two peoples as well as make new contributions to regional peace, stability and development. Firstly, continue giving play to the leading role of high-level exchanges. High-level exchanges have always played the most important leading and promoting role in the development of the China-DPRK relations. Under the new circumstances, I am willing to keep frequent contacts with Comrade Chairman through various forms including mutual visits, and sending special envoys and letters to each other. Secondly, make full use of the time-tested valuable practices of strategic communication. It is a splendid tradition of the two parties to have frequent and in-depth exchanges of views on major issues. Both sides should give full play to the important role of party-to-party exchanges, promote exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in various areas, and strengthen communication and mutual trust. Thirdly, actively advance peaceful development. At present, socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era, and the DPRK's socialist construction has also ushered in a new historical period. The Chinese side stands ready to make joint efforts with the DPRK to conform to the trend of the times, hold high the banner of peace, development, cooperation and win-win results, continuously improve the well-beings of the two peoples, and make positive contributions to regional peace, stability and development. Fourthly, cement the public opinion foundation for the China-DPRK friendship. The two sides should, through various ways, enhance exchanges and contacts between the two peoples, consolidate the public opinion foundation for bilateral friendly relations, especially enhance youth exchanges between the two countries, and inherit and carry forward the fine tradition of the China-DPRK friendship.

Kim Jong-un expressed that he is greatly encouraged and inspired by General Secretary Xi Jinping's important views on DPRK-China friendship and the development of the relations between the two parties and countries. The DPRK-China friendship, which was forged personally and nurtured together by the elder generations of leaders of both countries, is unshakable. It is a strategic choice of the DPRK to pass on and develop friendship with China under the new situation, and it will remain unchanged under any circumstances. Kim Jong-un said that he hopes to meet with Chinese comrades, enhance strategic communication, and deepen traditional friendship during his visit this time. It is hoped to have opportunities to meet with Comrade General Secretary frequently, and keep close communication through such means as sending special envoys and personal letters to each other, so as to promote the guidance of high-level meetings to the relations between the two parties and countries to a new level.

Both sides informed each other of their respective domestic situations. Xi Jinping said that the 19th CPC National Congress has drawn a grand blueprint for building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects, namely, building a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2020, having basically achieved socialist modernization by 2035 and building China into a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious, and beautiful by the middle of the century. The CPC will lead the Chinese people of all ethnic groups to forge ahead with great determination and work hard to continuously strive for the realization of the Chinese Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. China has noticed that Comrade Chairman has led the WPK and the people of the DPRK in taking a series of active measures and scoring many achievements in developing economy and improving people's livelihood in recent years. China expects political stability, economic development and people's happiness in the DPRK, and supports the WPK, led by Comrade Chairman, in leading the people of the DPRK to continuously move forward along the path of socialism, as well as the positive endeavors by comrades of the DPRK in developing economy and improving people's livelihood.

Kim Jong-un expressed that since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core has, with tremendous political courage and a strong sense of responsibility, put forward new thinking and new ideas, put them into action, and solved many tough problems and major events that were never resolved for a long time. These achievements fully proved that the lines of the CPC are correct lines that conform to the national conditions. In particular, Comrade General Secretary has put forward that the Party should exercise effective self-supervision and practice strict self-governance in every respect, which has greatly strengthened the Party building and realized the overall Party leadership over all work. At present, the WPK has also been intensifying its efforts in fighting against arrogance, bureaucracy and corruption. He sincerely hoped that China will continuously make new great achievements in the course of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and a great modern socialist country.

The two leaders exchanged in-depth views on the international and the Korean Peninsula situation.

Xi Jinping pointed out that there have been positive changes in the situation of the Korean Peninsula since this year, and the DPRK has made the important efforts to this end. China expresses appreciation in this regard. On the Korean Peninsula issue, China sticks to the goal of denuclearization of the Peninsula, safeguarding peace and stability on the Peninsula and solving problems through dialogue and consultation. China calls on all parties to support the improvement of the relations between the DPRK and the Republic of Korea (ROK), and jointly make concrete efforts to facilitate peace talks. China is willing to continue playing a constructive role in the Peninsula issue and work with all parties, including the DPRK, to jointly promote the situation on the Peninsula toward easing.

Kim Jong-un expressed that the current situation on the Korean Peninsula is starting to get better, as the DPRK has taken the measures proactively to ease tensions and put forward proposals for peace talks. It is the DPRK's consistent stand to be committed to the realization of denuclearization on the Peninsula, which is in accordance with the will of late President Kim Il-sung and late General Secretary Kim Jong-il. The DPRK is determined to transform the DPRK-ROK relations into a relationship of reconciliation and cooperation and hold summit between the heads of the two sides. The DPRK is willing to have dialogue with the United States (US) and hold a summit between the heads of the two countries. If the ROK and the US respond to the DPRK's efforts with goodwill, and create an atmosphere of peace and stability while taking periodical and synchronous measures for the realization of peace, the issue of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula can be resolved. The DPRK hopes to enhance strategic communication with China during the process, and jointly safeguard the momentum of consultation and dialogue as well as peace and stability on the Peninsula.

Prior to the talks, Xi Jinping held a welcoming ceremony for Kim Jong-un at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People.

After the talks, Xi Jinping and his wife Mme. Peng Liyuan held a welcoming banquet for Kim Jong-un and his wife Mme. Ri Sol-ju. While delivering an address, Xi Jinping expressed that in the beautiful season of spring when everything comes back to life, the unofficial visit of Comrade Kim Jong-un and Mme. Ri Sol-ju to China is of great significance for the two countries to deepen communication, strengthen coordination and promote cooperation, and will push the relations between the two parties and the two countries to new highs in the new historical phase, as well as make important contributions to pushing forward the peace, stability and development in the region. Just now, I had candid and friendly talks with Chairman Kim Jong-un. We agreed that inheriting and carrying forward the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK conform to the common interests of both sides, and are the common strategic choices of both sides. No matter how the international and regional situation changes, both sides will firmly grasp the general trend of global development and the overall situation of the China-DPRK relationship, strengthen high-level exchanges, deepen strategic communication, and expand exchanges and cooperation, so as to benefit the people of both countries and the people of all countries.

Kim Jong-un said in his address that under the situation of the Korean Peninsula which is undergoing unprecedented great changes, he pays a swift visit to China out of good wishes for promoting peace and stability on the Peninsula, and carrying on and developing the DPRK-China friendship. He chose China as the destination of his first overseas visit, which shows his will to inherit the tradition of the DPRK-China friendship, and how he values the friendship between the two countries. Kim Jong-un has had successful talks with General Secretary Xi Jinping on developing the relations between the two parties and the two countries, respective domestic situations, maintaining of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and other topics. Kim Jong-un believed that in this fresh spring full of happiness and hopes, his first meeting with General Secretary Xi Jinping will yield abundant fruits of the DPRK-China friendship, and promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

During the visit, Xi Jinping and his wife Mme. Peng Liyuan also held a luncheon for Kim Jong-un and his wife Mme. Ri Sol-ju in the Yangyuanzhai Room of the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. Xi Jinping said that the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse has witnessed the development of the traditional friendship between the two countries, and the close relations between leaders of the elder generations of the two parties and two countries have set an example for both sides. China welcomes Chairman Kim Jong-un and Mme. Ri Sol-ju to visit China frequently.

Kim Jong-un expressed that the DPRK-China friendship is especially precious. He would like to join hands with Comrade General Secretary to follow the noble will of leaders of the elder generations, carry on and develop the DPRK-China friendship that remains unchanged despite winds and rains, and elevate it to new highs under new circumstances.

Kim Jong-un also visited an exhibition showcasing the Innovation Achievements of the Chinese Academy of Sciences since the 18th CPC National Congress themed on Taking the Lead and Forging ahead. He showed his admiration for China's accomplishments in the development and innovation of science and technology, and wrote an inscription to mark the visit after the activity.

Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee Ding Xuexiang; Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Yang Jiechi; Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee and Head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the CPC Central Committee Guo Shengkun; Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee and Head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee Huang Kunming; Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee Cai Qi; State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and others attended the relevant activities.

Vice Chairman of the WPK Central Committee and Director of the Organization and Guidance Department Choe Ryong-hae; Vice Chairman of the WPK Central Committee and Director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department Pak Kwang-ho; Vice Chairman of the WPK Central Committee and Director of the International Department Ri Su-yong; Vice Chairman of the WPK Central Committee and Director of the United Front Department Kim Yong-chol; DPRK Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho and others accompanied Kim Jong-un on his visit to China and attended related activities.