DPRK, China In Contact Over Captured Fishing Vessels

A view of the approximate location that 3 Chinese commercial fishing vessels and 29 crew members were captured on 8 May 2012 (Photo: Google image)

PRC state media reports that the Chinese government “is in close contact” with the DPRK on the status of 29 fishermen seized earlier this month in the Yellow (West) Sea.  On 8 May, three fishing vessels and 29 crew members were captured 158 km (98 miles) southwest of the DPRK city of Namp’o.  It is not clear if the crew were captured by members of the Korean People’s Army’s [KPA] Navy, DPRK personnel operating commercial vessels or, as Global Times reports, a group of Chinese and DPRK nationals.  Xinhua English reports:

“China is maintaining close communication with the DPRK side through relative channels in order to appropriately address the issue as soon as possible,” Hong said during a daily news briefing.

“The Chinese side has demanded that the DPRK side ensure the safety and legitimate rights of the Chinese crew members,” he added.

Media reports have stated that three vessels and their crews were seized by the DPRK on May 8.

 CRI English reports:

A number of media outlets recently reported that three Chinese fishing vessels were seized on May 8 at 38.05 degrees north and 123.57 degrees east within Chinese waters and the 29 crew members onboard were being kept hostage by a group of North Koreans.

The reports also state that the North Korean captors asked the abducted Chinese fishermen to call their families and tell them to pay ransom amounts in order for them to be released.

According to media reports, one fisherman who narrowly escaped being abducted, reported the incident to local maritime police in the city of Dalian, Dandong, and the fishing patrol forces in the provincial capital of Shenyang, immediately following his escape.

On the morning of last Wednesday, an abducted crew member apparently made a phone call using an unidentifiable number, claiming that the captors were requesting ransom amounts in return for the release of the Chinese fishermen.

The BBC reports:

The captors have asked for payment by Thursday for the release of the men and boats, the newspaper reported.

China’s foreign ministry said it was in touch with North Korean authorities and hoped to resolve the situation soon.

“We urged the North Korean side to guarantee the legal rights of the Chinese fishermen,” the ministry’s spokesman Hong Lei said.

He refused to confirm if the payment being demanded was a ransom, said an Associated Press report.

It is not clear if the boats were seized by North Korean authorities or kidnappers as some reports have suggested.

Pyongyang has not commented on the incident.

The owners of the boats have been reported as saying that the men were fishing in Chinese waters when the incident took place.

One of the owners, Zhang Dechang, told the Beijing News that the captors initially demanded payment of 1.2 million yuan (£119,300, $189,800) for the return of the men and boats, now reportedly in North Korea.

The captors then reportedly reduced their demand to 900,000 yuan.

Mr Zhang said that the captors included both North Koreans and Chinese, according to a Global Times report.

”They had guns; no one resisted. The captured fishermen have been locked in a small house, with no food to eat,” he was quoted as saying in the report.

China is North Korea’s closest ally. But the waters of the Yellow Sea, home to rich marine life, have seen clashes in the past between vessels from China and the two Koreas.

DPRK Delegation Meets Chinese President

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with Kim Yong Il, an alternate member of the Political Bureau and secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and also head of the international department of the WPK, during a meeting with a visiting WPK delegation headed by Kim in Beijing, capital of China, April 23, 2012. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

KWP International Secretary Kim Yong Il (Kim Yo’ng-il) met with Chinese President Hu Jintao on Monday, 23 April, in Beijing.  The meeting took place after a strategic dialogue between the Korean Workers’ Party and the Chinese Communist Party on Saturday (21 April) and it occurred as DPRK state media amped up its attacks on South Korea’s political leadership and ahead of an upcoming US-PRC interaction.  Kim’s meeting with Hu most likely included discussions of the DPRK’s launch of the U’nha-3.  The Chinese leadership may also have restated its invitation for DPRK supreme leader, Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) to visit China.   Xinhua English reports:

Hu said the success of the Fourth WPK Conference and the fifth session of the 12th Supreme People’s Assembly, at which Kim Jong Un was elected the supreme leader, will be remembered as a major event in the political life of the WPK and the DPRK people. He described it as significant for the future in construction of the DPRK’s ruling party and nation.

The president expressed confidence that, under Kim Jong Un, the WPK and DPRK government will lead its people to blaze new trails and make new achievements in the cause of building a prosperous and strong country.

During the meeting, Hu said China-DPRK friendship was created and fostered by older generations of leaders and has become a common wealth of both countries. China will as always work with DPRK comrades to maintain high-level contact and exchanges between the political parties, promote practical cooperation and good-neighborly friendship and strengthen communication and coordination on major regional and international issues, according to Hu.

He added the two sides will make unremitting efforts to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, realize long-term security of Northeast Asia and promote common development.

According to Kim Yong Il, Kim Jong Un’s election as First Secretary of the WPK and First Chairman of the National Defence Commission laid a solid foundation for the DPRK to carry through the unfulfilled will of late DPRK leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il and advance the cause of revolution and construction.

Kim Yong Il said the DPRK is delighted to see China’s achievements under the leadership of the CPC in implementing scientific development and building a harmonious society.

He added the tradition of friendship between the ruling parties and the two countries was cherished by past leaders. The DPRK side is delighted to see strengthening relations between the two countries.

Kim Yong Il said cooperation between the WPK and CPC followed the teachings of late Chairman Kim Il Sung and late General Secretary Kim Jong Il and it will remain the firm stance of the WPK. He said the DPRK will as always work hard to advance relations between the ruling parties and the two countries.

Li Yuanchao, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Organizational Department of the CPC Central Committee, also met with Kim Yong Il Monday afternoon.

Li hailed the friendship between China and the DPRK, pledging to enhance exchanges, cooperation and strategic communication between the two sides so as to further bilateral ties.

Kim Yong Il reaffirmed the DPRK’s will to deepen exchange and cooperation with China in various fields.

Kim’s visit to China and his meetings on Monday with President Hu, Li Yuanchao and his Saturday meeting with Wang Jiarui may have been arranged on short notice.  Hankyoreh reports:

While there was no word on whether the two countries discussed North Korea’s recent rocket launch at the talks, sources suggested the discussions focused on the political situation in the wake of that launch.

A diplomatic source in Beijing said, “To the rest of the world, China is clearly stating its opposition to additional sanctions that might destabilize North Korea, but to Pyongyang it gave a clear warning that it should not engage in any further provocations that might make the situation worse, such as a third nuclear test.

“We also believe North Korea briefed Beijing on the appointment of Kim Jong-un to first secretary at the recent WPK representatives’ meeting,” the source added.

The talks between Pyongyang and Beijing came at a chilly time between the countries. China was unusually critical of North Korea after its rocket launch and didn’t stand in the way of a United Nations Security Council president’s statement condemning Pyongyang’s actions.

As the meeting took place on Saturday, typically a day off, and the North Korean delegation arrived via Air China on a day when there were no Beijing flights for the North Korean carrier Air Koryo, observers suggested Pyongyang was troubled by China’s strong response and hurriedly arranged the talks in an effort at appeasement.

Xinhua said these were the second strategic talks between North Korea and China, after a first set in North Korea in June 2011.

DPRK, PRC Hold “Strategic Dialogue” in Beijing

Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo (R) shakes hands with Kim Yong Il, alternate member of the Political Bureau and secretary of the central committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), in Beijing, China, April 22, 2012. Dai met with a WPK delegation led by Kim Yong Il here on Sunday. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

Korean Workers’ Party International Secretary Kim Yong Il (Kim Yo’ng-il) traveled to China during the weekend.  On Saturday (21 April) Kim held what DPRK state media called a “strategic dialogue” with senior officials of the Chinese Communist Party led by Wang Jiarui.  Kim also met with State Councilor Dai Bingguo.  These were the first reported meetings between DPRK and Chinese officials since an early April visit to the DPRK by a PLA delegation led by Maj. Gen.  Qian Lihua and the first reported DPRK-PRC interaction since the 12 April launch of the U’nha-3.  The DPRK-PRC interactions occurred after military analysts indicated that a transporter erector launcher [TEL] vehicle used during a DPRK military parade on 15 April was either imported from China, or manufactured using Chinese specs.  KCNA reports:

A strategic dialogue between the Workers’ Party of Korea and the Communist Party of China took place in Beijing on Saturday.

Present there from the WPK side were members of the WPK delegation led by Kim Yong Il, alternate member of the Political Bureau and secretary of the C.C., the WPK, and Ji Jae Ryong, DPRK ambassador to China, and from the CPC side Wang Jiarui, head of the International Liaison Department of the C.C., the Communist Party of China, and members of the department.

Both sides exchanged views on further developing the friendly and cooperative relations between the two parties and two countries and matters of mutual concern.

The dialogue proceeded in a comradely and friendly atmosphere.

Wang Jiarui gave a reception in honor of the WPK delegation in the evening.

Yonhap reports:

Senior officials from North Korea and China held their talks in Beijing and exchanged views about matters of mutual concern, Pyongyang’s state media reported Sunday, in the first high-level meeting since the North’s botched rocket launch.

The “strategic dialogue” between Kim Yong-il, the secretary for international affairs at the North Korean Workers’ Party, and Wang Jiarui, the head of the Chinese Communist Party’s international department, took place on Saturday, the North’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

“Both sides exchanged views on further developing the friendly and cooperative relations between the two parties and two countries, and matters of mutual concern,” the KCNA said in the report.

North Korea defied international warnings and launched a long-range rocket on April 13, but the launch flopped as the rocket crashed after flying for a couple of minutes.

Pyongyang claimed the launch was designed to put a satellite into orbit, but Seoul, Washington and others blasted it as a cover for testing improved ballistic missile technology.

Last week, China joined a statement by the United Nations Security Council that “strongly condemned” the North’s launch and warned it will impose new sanctions if Pyongyang carries out another launch of a long-range rocket or a nuclear test.

Kim Yong Il also met with Dai Bingguo.  Xinhua English reports:

Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo met with a Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) delegation from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in Beijing on Sunday .

The delegation was headed by Kim Yong Il, alternate member of the Political Bureau and secretary of the central committee of the WPK.

Dai applauded the traditional friendship between the DPRK and the Chinese sides, saying that China is willing to work together with the DPRK to lead the friendship and cooperation between the two nations to new heights.

Dai said that he was sure the DPRK party, government and people will continue to make new achievements in their aim of building a prosperous country.

During their meeting, Kim Yong Il agreed with Dai’s appraisal on the DPRK-China relationship. He said the DPRK attaches great importance to the friendship and cooperation with China. He added that the DPRK will follow the instructions by late general secretary Kim Jong Il and first secretary Kim Jong Un of the WPK to make all-out efforts to advance the traditional DPRK-China friendship in a sustainable way.

Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai Performance at Ponghwa Art Theater

Members of the DPRK central leadership view the P'ibada Opera Troupe's performance of Butterfly Lovers with PRC Ambassador to the DPRK Liu Hongcai (3rd L). Seen in this image are Kim Yong Il (L), Yang Hyong Sop (2nd L), Kim Yong Nam (3rd R), Kim Ki Nam (2nd R) and Kang Sok Ju (R) (Photo: PRC Embassy in the DPRK)

The P’ibada Opera Troupe gave a “homecoming performance” of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai (Butterfly Lovers) at Ponghwa Art Theater in western Pyongyang on Friday, 20 January.  KCNA reports:

The opera based on the famous Chinese folklore is another flower of the DPRK-China friendship, provided under the care of General Secretary Kim Jong Il.

The opera had been performed 30 odd times in 12 cities of China, including Beijing, Daqing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Qingdao from Oct. 25 last year to Jan. 7 this year, causing a hot wind of Korean opera in vast Chinese territory.

Chinese media and Internet homepages vied with each other to report about performances of this opera, featuring the wisdom of Kim Jong Il who initiated its creation and guided the work to perfect it and stirring up the heated atmosphere of praising the great man.

In particular the world public was deeply moved at the touching fact that the Workers’ Party of Korea allowed the opera performance to continue even after Kim Jong Il passed away, a great loss to the Korean nation, and at the ideological and moral traits of the Korean artistes who successfully ensured its performances to the last by turning their sorrow into strength and courage, true to his behests.

The performances registered another significant chapter in the annals of the DPRK-China friendship. They were a vivid manifestation of the solidness of this friendship further deepened by Kim Jong Il through his energetic activities.

Enjoying the homecoming performance were Kim Yong Nam, Kim Ki Nam and other senior party and state officials, officials of the Foreign Ministry and the Korean Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries, creators and artistes, journalists and editors.

Also present on invitation were Ambassador Liu Hongcai and staff members of the Chinese embassy here and Chinese guests.

The performance was acclaimed by the audience as it strikingly displayed the inexhaustible potentials of the Juche arts advancing on the world level while achieving its remarkable development by the unique Korean way of creation.

Ponghwa Art Theater in Hyongjesan District in west Pyongyang, not far from the Ministry of People's Security (Photo: Google image)

There were several DPRK-PRC interactions around this performance.  PRC Ambassador to the DPRK Liu Hongcai had separate meetings with Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium President Kim Yong Nam and Kwon Hyok Bong, deputy (vice) director of the party’s Propaganda and Agitation Department.  It remains to be seen whether the PRC Embassy will host a banquet for Lunar New Year and if one is held whether Kim Jong Un–who has previously interacted with embassy officials–will attend.

Party Vice Director of the Propaganda and Agitation Kwon Hyok Bong (L) meets with PRC Ambassador to the DPRK Liu Hongcai (R) (Photo: PRC Embassy in the DPRK)

PRC Ambassador to the DPRK Liu Hongcai (L) meets with SPA Presidium President Kim Yong Nam (R) (Photo: PRC Embassy in the DPRK)

Kwangbok Supermarket Opens

Kwangbok Area Supermarket in Mangyo'ngdae District in west Pyongyang (Photo: KCNA)

The Kwangpok Area Supermarket in west Pyongyang opened on Thursday, 5 January.  One of the largest shopping centers in the DPRK, the Kwangpok market is a joint venture between the DPRK T’aesong General Trading Corporation and the PRC’s Feihaimengxin Trading Company.  A grand opening event was held on 5 January.  One of the participants at the opening ceremony was Jon Il Chun (Chon Il-chun), deputy director of the Korean Workers’ Party’s Finance and Accounting Department and section chief of Office #39.  Mr. Jon accompanied Kim Jong Il on a visit to the Kwangpok store in mid-December 2011, which was KJI’s last reported public appearance before his death.

Jon Il Chun (R) stands with DPRK and Chinese participants at an opening ceremony held in front of the main entrance to Kwangpok Area Supermarket on 5 January (Photo: KCNA)

KCNA reports:

All business service at the supermarket built as a commercial service center has been put on IT and digital basis. Customers can buy varieties of goods according to their taste and requirements in the sales rooms on each floor stacked with household appliances, electronic products, foodstuff, fibre, sundries and others.

Present there were officials concerned, officials of the Korea Taesong General Trading Corporation, officials and employees of the Kwangbok Area Supermarket, members of the Feihaimengxin Trading (Beijing) Co. Ltd. staying in the DPRK and the Chinese embassy here.

O Ryong Il, general president of the Corporation, said in his speech that the work to build the supermarket was successfully completed under the energetic leadership of leader Kim Jong Il and the dear respected Kim Jong Un and the positive efforts of the peoples of the two countries.

He expressed belief that the supermarket would help towards improving the people’s living standard and promoting the well-being of the two peoples through better service and management.

Xue Rifei, executive managing director of the Feihaimengxin Trading (Beijing) Co. Ltd., said in his speech that Kim Jong Il and Kim Jong Un gave field guidance to the supermarket on December 15, 2011 and named it the Kwangbok Area Supermarket.

He expressed the expectation that an effort will be made to reenergize the supermarket to win high appreciation for its best management, service and credit.

People tour the aisles of the Kwangpok Area Supermarket after an opening ceremony on 5 January (Photo: KCNA)

Xinhua English reported:

The shopping center was the last place the leader paid a public visit to before he died in mid-December. It is jointly run by China and DPRK, with China holding 65 percent of its shares.

At the opening ceremony on Thursday, DPRK business representatives said they will try their best to provide quality service in order to contribute to the livelihood of people from the two countries.

Chinese delegates responded that the shopping center’s opening will give a new boost to DPRK trade and economy.

The shopping center is now selling a complete variety of items, ranging from food to clothes, and from household appliances to electronic products, most of which are imported from neighbouring China.

Kim Jong Un Attends KJI’s Wake

In this photo released by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s official KCNA news agency, the body of DPRK's top leader Kim Jong Il lies in the bier at the Kumsusan Memorial in Pyongyang, DPRK, Dec. 20, 2011. Kim Jong Un, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), paid his respects Tuesday at the bier of his father and DPRK's top leader Kim Jong Il, official KCNA news agency reported. (Xinhua/KCNA)

Kim Jong Un visits the casket bier of his father, the late DPRK supreme leader Kim Jong Il on 20 December 2011 in Pyongyang. Seen in attendance behind him are three Vice-chairmen of the National Defense Commission (L-R): Jang Song Taek; O Kuk Ryol; and Ri Yong Mu (Photo: KCNA-Yonhap)

Jang Song Taek, walks to Kim Jong Il's casket bier with his wife, Kim Kyong Hui, KJI's sister (Photo: KCNA-Yonhap)

Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited Kim Jong Il’s casket bier (i.e. attended the wake) on Tuesday, 20 December, along with his aunt, Kim Kyong Hui (Kim Kyo’ng-hu’i), her husband Jang Song Taek (Chang So’ng-t’aek) and other members of the DPRK’s central leadership.  KJI lies in state in a room at Ku’msusan Memorial Palace “to receive visitors between 20 and 27 December.”  KCNA reports:

Kim Jong Un, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the WPK, together with senior officials of the party, state and armed forces organs, visited the bier of Kim Jong Il to express deep condolences with the bitterest grief.

The Kumsusan Memorial Palace, the mourning place, was in a solemn atmosphere.

The bier of Kim Jong Il was seen lying among flowers, covered by the red flag.

Marked on the front of the bier were the years of “1942-2011″ as well as the national emblem of the DPRK.

Seen before the bier were shoulder straps of the DPRK Marshal, Kim Il Sung Order, Kim Il Sung Prize, medals of the DPRK hero and labor hero and lots of other orders and medals the army and people of the DPRK presented to him in recognition of his great feats.

Seen beside the bier was a wreath from Kim Jong Un, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the WPK.

Members of the National Funeral Committee were standing guard by the side of the bier and guards of honor of the three services of the Korean People’s Army and the Worker-Peasant Red Guards were standing on either side of the bier.

Amid the solemn playing of funeral music, Kim Jong Un entered the hall where Kim Jong Il lies in state.

Kim Jong Un observed a moment’s silence in the bitterest grief together with leading officials of the party, state and armed forces organs before going round the bier.

The participants remained long before the bier, wailing over the sudden and grievous death of Kim Jong Il, outstanding leader of the party, state and army, peerlessly illustrious commander of Songun and benevolent father of the people.

They included Kim Yong Nam, Choe Yong Rim, Ri Yong Ho, Kim Kyong Hui, Kim Yong Chun, Jon Pyong Ho, Kim Kuk Thae, Kim Ki Nam, Choe Thae Bok, Yang Hyong Sop, Ri Yong Mu, O Kuk Ryol, Kang Sok Ju, Pyon Yong Rip, Jang Song Thaek, Kim Jong Gak, Kim Yang Gon, Kim Yong Il, Pak To Chun, Choe Ryong Hae, Kim Rak Hui, Thae Jong Su, Kim Phyong Hae, Mun Kyong Dok, Ju Kyu Chang, U Tong Chuk and Kim Chang Sop.

National Defense Commission Vice-chairman and Minister of the People's Armed Forces, VMar Kim Yong Chun (R) salutes Kim Jong Un on 20 December 2011, as members of the DPRK leadership visit Kim Jong Il's casket bier. Also seen in this image are Col. Gen. Kim Chang Sop (L), director of the political bureau of the Ministry of State Security, and Gen. O Kuk Ryol, Vice-chairman of the NDC. Partially obscured in the 1st row (2nd R) is VMar Ri Yong Mu, Vice-chairman of the NDC, and in the 2nd row, Ju Kyu Chang, director of the party's military industry department (Photo: KCNA-Yonhap)

Members of the Korean Workers' Party leadership file toward KJI's casket bier on 20 December 2011. Seen in this image (front to rear) are: Party Control Commission Chairman Kim Kuk Thae; CC KWP Department Director and KJI's sister Kim Kyong Hui; NDC Vice-chairman and CC KWP Department Director Jang Song Taek, her husband; Senior Deputy Director of the KPA General Political Department, Gen. Kim Jong Gak; and, CC KWP Secretary and Department Director, Kim Ki Nam (Photo: KCNA-Yonhap)

Members of the DPRK's central leadership bow at Kim Jong Il's casket on 20 December 2011. Seen in the image (L-R) are: Gen. O Kuk Ryol (Vice-chairman of the National Defense Commission); VMar Ri Yong Mu (Vice-chairman of the National Defense Commission); VMar Kim Yong Chun (Vice-chairman of the National Defense Commission); VMar Ri Yong Ho (Chief of the KPA General Staff); Kim Jong Un (Vice-chairman of the Party Central Military Commission); Kim Yong Nam (President of the Supreme People's Assembly Presidium); Choe Yong Rim (Premier of the DPRK Cabinet); and, Jon Pyong Ho (Chief KWP Secretary and Political Director of the DPRK Cabinet) (Photo: KCNA)

In Beijing Chinese President Hu Jintao, along with members of the PRC’s political leadership made a condolence call to the DPRK Embassy.  Kyodo News Agency reports that President Hu will attend the 28 December state funeral for KJI, citing the Hong Kong-based Information Center for Human Rights & Democracy.  In a brief story, the center cited “a well-informed” source that said Hu would travel to Pyongyang.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (L, front), also Secretary General of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, goes to the embassy of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in Beijing to express condolences on the passing away of top DPRK leader Kim Jong Il, in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 20, 2011. A member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and top legislator Wu Bangguo, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Li Changchun, and a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice President Xi Jinping accompanied Hu to the embassy of the DPRK in Beijing. (Xinhua)

DPRK Ambassador to the PRC Ji Jae Ryong arrives arrives at an airport in Beijing for a return flight to the DPRK. Ji is ranked at #180 on the funeral committee list released by DPRK media on 19 December. He was a key operative in the KIS Youth League in the 1970s, a key base of support for Kim Jong Il's own succession, and has close ties to Jang Song Taek (Photo: Yonhap)

Xinhua English reports on Hu’s embassy visit.

China expects to make joint efforts with the comrades of the DPRK to effectively consolidate, construct and develop the traditionally friendly relations with the DPRK, Hu said. Hu said the CPC, the Chinese government and the Chinese people experienced deep grief over comrade Kim Jong Il’s death. He said comrade Kim Jong Il was a great party and state leader for the DPRK, as well as an intimate friend of the Chinese people. Kim dedicated his entire life and rendered his immortal service to the DPRK’s socialist revolution and construction. He also made important contributions to advancing the development of the China-DPRK traditional friendly relationship of cooperation. The Chinese people will remember him forever, he said. Hu expressed the belief that the people of the DPRK will definitely carry on at the behest of comrade Kim Jong Il, closely unite around the Worker’s Party of Korea (WPK), turn their grief into strength under the leadership of comrade Kim Jong Un, and make unremitting efforts for the construction of a strong socialist country and the realization of sustainable peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Wu Bangguo, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and top legislator, Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and Vice President Xi Jinping, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, accompanied Hu to the DPRK Embassy in Beijing. President Hu and other senior leaders stepped close to the portrait of comrade Kim Jong Il, presented wreaths and silently grieved over the death of Kim Jong Il. Afterwards, they bowed to the portrait three times. Pak Myong Ho, charge d’affaires of the DPRK Embassy, thanked President Hu Jintao and other Chinese leaders for coming to mourn the death of the DPRK’s top leader. Pak said comrade Kim Jong Il had made great efforts and contributions to the development of the friendship between China and the DPRK. Kim’s sudden passing is the greatest loss of the DPRK party and revolution, and it is the greatest grief of the people and nation of the DPRK. Under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, the people of the DPRK will turn grief into strength and courage, overcome current difficulties and strive to advance the socialist cause of the DPRK, Pak said. Pak said the DPRK will work with the Chinese side to further strengthen friendship and expand the traditional China-DPRK friendly relationship of cooperation, he said The CPC Central Committee, the NPC Standing Committee, the State Council, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee and the Central Military Commission also sent wreaths to the embassy. Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee member and Vice Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission Guo Boxiong, Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee member and Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee Ling Jihua, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, the International Department of the CPC Central Committee head Wang Jiarui and Director of the President’s Office Chen Shiju also accompanied President Hu to express their condolences at the embassy.

Rodong Sinmun, the newspaper of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party, devotes the front page of its Dec. 20, 2011 edition to a portrait of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, who died of a heart attack on Dec. 17. The phrase beside the portrait reads, "Great leader comrade Kim Jong-il will live eternally (in people's mind)." This photo is a capture from the paper's Web site. (Yonhap)

Headlines on the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il with his picture are carried on the front pages of South Korea's major morning papers published on Dec. 20, 2011, one day after North Korea announced his death. (Yonhap)

Xinhua English also reported on condolence messages sent by Russia, the Phillipines, Cambodia and Indonesia.  First,  Russia:

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has expressed condolences on the death of Kim Jong Il, top leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), the Kremlin press service reported Monday.

Medvedev also held a phone conversation with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak concerning Kim’s death, according to the report. The two leaders discussed several issues of common concern, including regional integration and stability, the report said.

Also Monday, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Kim’s passing would not affect relations between Russia and the DPRK.

“The DPRK is our neighbor. We maintain a good-neighborly relationship. Of course, we hope that the loss of Kim Jong Il will not have any impact on the development of our friendly relations with the DPRK,” Lavrov said.

The Phillipines:

“We express the hope that the DPRK government will facilitate a smooth transition to a new leadership,” the statement said.

“The Philippine government values its relations with the DPRK and will continue to cooperate with them to intensify the promotion and maintenance of peace and stability in the Asia- Pacific region, including in the Korean Peninsula, to ensure the region’s continued prosperity,” it said.

“The Philippines looks forward to a continued engagement with the DPRK, and is thankful for their continued support in improving Philippine-DPRK relations, including the protection and promotion of the rights and well-being of Filipino nationals,” the statement said.

Cambodia:

“Cambodia is very sorry for the death of Kim Jong Il,” said Kanharith, who is also the Minister of Information. “This is a great loss for the people of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.”

“We hope that the unification plan between the DPRK and the Republic of Korea will still continue peacefully for the interests of the Korean peninsula, regionanl and global peace,” he told reporters at the Ministry.

Koy Kuong, the spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, “Despite the death of Kim Jong Il, the good relations and cooperation between Cambodia and the DPRK are unchanged.”

Indonesia:

“On behalf of the government and people of Indonesia, the President of the Republic of Indonesia expresses his deepest condolences on the passing away of the Supreme Leader of the DPRK His Excellency Kim Jong Il,” said the statement.

It said that Indonesia offers its prayer to the bereaved family as well as the government and people of the DPRK, so that they have the strength and forbearance in overcoming this moment of loss.

“The government and people of Indonesia have no doubt that North Korea will be able to overcome this difficult period and to make further progress in accordance with the aspiration of the North Korean people and nation,” it said.

The statement also said that Indonesia has every confidence that the DPRK will continue its commitment to contribute to the maintenance of peace, security and prosperity in the Korean Peninsula and the Pacific region in general.

Former Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri, who knew KJI, released a condolence message.  Kyodo reports:

”For me, His Excellency Kim Jong Il was a figure of a leader who had a strong character in his political belief and heavily fought for maintaining the sovereignty of his country,” Megawati said in a condolence statement.

”Under his leadership, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea could face heavy challenges and even could stand on their own feet in the economic sector thank to the unity between the people and their leader,” she added.

According to her, as Kim’s friend, she felt ”a very huge loss.” ”Our relations as brother and sister had been lasting very long,” she said.

Megawati and Kim were friends dating back to their first encounter in 1964 when she accompanied her father, then Indonesia President Sukarno, on a visit to Pyongyang.

Indonesia has been trying to facilitate peace on the Korean Peninsula since Megawati’s administration.

In 2002, she visited North Korea — the first Indonesian president to visit the country since her father’s trip in 1964.

And even after she stepped down in 2004, she used her relationship with Kim to try to persuade him to return to the negotiating table.

Qatar News Agency reports that its Emir sent a message to Kim Jong Un:

HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has sent a cable of condolences to North Korean President Kim Jong-un on the death of president Kim Jong-il.

HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has also sent a cable of condolences to the North Korean President on the death of the late president.

AFP reports that Iran has sent condolence messages:

“I was much saddened when I was informed of the passing of Mr Kim Jong-Il, great leader of the friendly nation, the Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea,” read Larijani’s message to his North Korean counterpart, Choe Tae-Bok.

“On behalf of myself and my colleagues in parliament… I would like to express my sympathy to your government and nation and offer my condolences to you and his family,” the message said.

Both North Korea and Iran are subject to international sanctions over their nuclear activities, and the two countries’ governments share a deep hostility towards the United States.

Pyongyang is also suspected of transferring banned ballistic missile technology to Tehran.

A confidential UN report, parts of which AFP gained access to in May this year, asserted that missile-related items were flown from North Korea to Iran on regular commercial flights by the countries’ respective flagship airlines.

KCNA reported a condolence message sent by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.  This was DPRK media’s first reference to a condolence message directly addressed to Kim Jong Un from a foreign leader.  Interestingly while KJI recuperated from his August 2008 stroke (s), the first message he sent to a foreign government was to Russia.

President of the Russian Federation D. Medvedev Monday sent a message of condolences to General Kim Jong Un.

It said: Respected Your Excellency Kim Jong Un

Allow me to express my deep condolences to you and the leadership of the DPRK and its people over the demise of Kim Jong Il, chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission.

In Russia His Excellency Kim Jong Il is well known as the leader of a friendly state who did a lot for the strengthening and development of the traditional Russia-DPRK good neighborly relations.

I am sure that this line in the interests of our two countries and peoples will be inherited by the new leadership of the DPRK.

We are ready to closely cooperate with each other for further development of mutual cooperation and peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Please accept my high consideration.

The second condolence message directly addressed to Kim Jong Un from a foreign leader came from Cuba’s Raul Castro.  KCNA reports:

The message said: Dear Comrade, I, on behalf of the Communist Party, government and people of Cuba, express most profound condolences to you over the demise of the great leader of the Korean people Comrade Kim Jong Il, general secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK.

Please accept my best regards.

Cambodia sent condolence messages.  Despite having close ties to the Kim Family, however, 89-year old Great Prince Norodom Sihanouk will not attend the funeral because of his age and frail health.  His assistant, Prince Sisowath Thomico, told a Cambodia newspaper, “Even though lately His Majesty Samdech Father did not go to North Korea his relations with North Korea remain warm.”   KCNA reports:

The Cambodian government expressed condolences over the demise of leader Kim Jong Il on Monday.

A spokesman for the Cambodian government said they are saddened by the news that Kim Jong Il passed away, adding this is the greatest loss to the Korean people.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia said that even though Kim Jong Il passed away, the relations of good neighborliness, friendship and cooperation between Cambodia and the DPRK will remain unchanged.

Jordan’s King Abdullah sent a condolence message to Kim Jong Un, according to The Jordan Times:

His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday sent a cable to North Korean leader Kim Jong- un offering his deepest sympathies over the death of his father, Kim Jong-il.

In the cable, the King also extended his condolences to the North Korean people.

The political leadership of Vietnam sent a condolence message to the Korean Workers’ Party.  Vietnam News Agency reports:

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam has sent a message of condolences to the Central Committee of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Workers ‘ Party over the death of its General Secretary, Kim Jong-il.

DPRK’s top leader died of heart failure on Dec. 17 at the age of 69.

On the same day, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Luong Thanh Nghi expressed deep sympathy over the death of the top leader of the DPRK.

“We offer the deepest condolences to the Party, State and people of the DPRK over the death of Kim Jong-il, General Secretary of the DPRK Workers’ Party, Chairman of the National Defence Commission and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the DPRK People’s Army,” Nghi told reporters.

“We believe that the DPRK people will overcome this great loss to continue their national construction and development,” he said.

BERNAMA, Malaysia state press, reported on a message from its foreign ministry:

Malaysia today conveyed its condolences to the government and people of North Korea on the death of its leader Kim Jong-il.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, when contacted, also expressed the hope that the new leadership of the country would continue to work towards peace in the region.

 

DPRK, PRC to “Strengthen” Military Cooperation

Kim Jong Il poses for a commemorative photograph with a senior Chinese PLA delegation on 17 November 2011 (Photo: KCNA-Yonhap)

Kim Jong Il held a meeting and hosted a reception for Li Jinai, director of the Chinese PLA’s General Political Department, and a senior delegation of PLA officers on 17 November at which the two sides “said they would strengthen military exchanges and cooperation.”  Xinhua reported:

China and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) have said they would strengthen military exchanges and cooperation.

The two sides vowed to do so during an official goodwill visit from Nov. 15 to 18 to the DPRK by a senior Chinese military delegation led by Director of the General Political Department of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Li Jinai.

During a meeting with Li, top DPRK leader Kim Jong Il said the military relationship is an important part of the ties between the two countries. He said he hoped the two militaries would continue to improve their ties so as to help consolidate and develop the China-DPRK friendship.

Li said the Chinese military, in accordance with the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, is willing to work with the DPRK in the new historic era to enhance understanding and mutual trust and strengthen practical exchanges. This would promote the all-round development of China-DPRK relations, which are neighborly and friendly, he said.

Li also met with some senior DPRK military officers. During the meetings, Li expounded China’s views on the current international and regional situations.

The Chinese official reiterated the Chinese government’s principles and stand on issues related to the Korean Peninsula, and expressed China’s willingness to make joint efforts with the DPRK to maintain regional peace and stability.

Kim Jong Il toasts with Li Jinai, member of the PRC's Central Military Commission and director of the PLA's General Political Department, during a dinner reception (Photo: KCNA)

KCNA reported:

The traditional Sino-DPRK friendship forged and cultivated by the leaders of the elder generation of the two countries have entered a new stage of development under the deep care of Hu Jintao and Kim Jong Il, he said.

In recent years there was a brisk exchange of high-ranking delegations between the two countries and important agreements were reached on developing the friendly and cooperative relations and bilateral exchange and cooperation in various fields including politics, economy and military affairs have registered steady and abundant achievements, he noted.

It is the steadfast policy of the party, government and army of China to put into practice the common understandings reached between the leaders of the two countries and boost the friendly and cooperative relations between the peoples of the two countries, between the armies, in particular, he added.

Kim Jong Il warmly welcomed the visit of the high-ranking military delegation of the CPLA to the DPRK and asked Li Jinai to pass his warm regards to the members of the collective leadership of the CPC including Hu Jintao and the fraternal army and people of China.

The armies of the two countries have played a positive role in developing the DPRK-China friendly relati ons in the past, he expressed the belief that there would be no change in the sense of revolutionary obligation and class principle between the armies and peoples of the two countries no matter how the situation may change in the future.

Li Jinai presented Kim Jong Il and Kim Jong Un with the gifts prepared by him with his best wishes.

Li Jinai viewing a guestbook at a visit to the Liberation Tower during his visit to the DPRK. Also in attendance is KPA General Pak Jae Gyong (2nd R) (Photo: KCNA)

The meeting was Kim Jong Il’s third reported interaction with a Chinese official in less than a month, following his meeting with the PRC Vice Premier on 24 October and a reception for the PRC Ambassador to the DPRK on 31 October.  Li arrived in Pyongyang on Tuesday (15 November).  During his stay Li visited several sights including the Kumsusan Memorial Hall and the Liberation Tower.  He also met with senior KPA officials including Gen. Kim Jong Gak, senior deputy (vice) director of the KPA General Political Department, and Gen. Pak Jae Gyong.  Li’s four-day visit to the DPRK occurred while PRC leadership litigated their posture in the South China Sea with other Asian leaders.  It also followed a visit to China by the Korean People’s Interior Forces from 8 to 12 November.  KPIF commander Col. Gen. Ri Tae Chol met Li on 11 November and the Chinese official previewed the message that would underscore his subsequent visit to the DPRK.  KCNA reported:

Li Jinai, director of the General Political Department of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Friday underscored the need for China and the DPRK to boost bilateral exchange and cooperation and thus contribute to development of ties between the two countries and armies.

He said this at a friendly talk with the delegation of the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces led by Col. Gen. Ri Thae Chol in Beijing.

Li at the talk noted that the traditional China-DPRK friendly relations have steadily developed under the deep care of the top leaders of the two countries.

Commander of the Korean People's Interior (Internal Security) Forces, Col. Gen. Ri Thae Chol (L) during a meeting with Li Jinai on 11 November in Beijing

The PLA’s press also reported on Li and Ri’s meeting:

Li Jinai said that the traditional friendly bilateral relations between China and the DPRK have enjoyed constant consolidation and development for years through joint efforts of both countries under the great concerns of the leaders of the two countries. In the new historical period, the Chinese side is willing to work together with the DPRK side to further strengthen communication and coordination, and deepen exchanges and cooperation, so as to make due contributions to further developing the relations between the two countries and the two militaries, and maintaining regional and world peace, stability and prosperity.

Li Jinai spoke highly of the exchanges and cooperation between the Chinese People’s Armed Police Force (APF) and the Interior Force of the DPRK.

Ri Tae Chol said that the two militaries of the DPRK and China have been helping and supporting each other for a long time, and have established and developed friendly relationship between the two countries. The Interior Force of the DPRK hopes to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the Chinese APF, so as to make positive efforts to develop comprehensive relations between the two countries.

While Li and the PLA delegation were in Pyongyang, Chinese Vice President (and next President) Xi Jinping met a 100-member delegation of the Kim Il Sung Youth League, who arrived in Beijing earlier in the day on 17 November.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (R, Front) meets with a youth delegation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) led by DPRK's top youth official Ri Yong Chol in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 17, 2011. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (C, 1st row) poses for group photo during a meeting with a youth delegation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) led by DPRK's top youth official Ri Yong Chol in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 17, 2011. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

KJI Meets Chinese Ambassador

Kim Jong Il met with PRC Ambassador to the DPRK, Liu Hongcai, and personnel from the Chinese Embassy in Pyongyang on 31 October (Monday).  According to KCNA, Ambassador Liu talked about Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang’s visit to the DPRK during 24-25 October, as well as Kim Jong Il’s two trips to China in May and August.  KJI hosted a dinner reception for Liu and the embassy staff members who accompanied him.  According to KCNA, KJI was joined by Kim Kyong Hui, Kim Jong Un, Jang Song Taek, as well as chief of the KPA General Staff,VMar Ri Yong Ho, CC KWP Secretary and United Front Department Director Kim Yang Gon, and CC KWP Secretary and International Department Director Kim Yong Il.  The commemorative group photograph also showed in attendance: CC KWP Secretary and NDC Member, Pak To Chun and KPA Generals Pak Jae Gyong, Kim Kyong Ok, Kim Won Hong and Hyon Chol Hae.

KCNA reported:

The ambassador said that new landmark events took place in the relations between the two parties and countries in this meaningful year, the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the Sino- DPRK treaty of friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance, further promoting their development.

He noted that General Secretary Kim Jong Il visited China in May and August, performing immortal feats in consolidating and developing the traditional Sino-DPRK friendship.

Li Yuanchao, member of the Political Bureau and the Secretariat of the C.C., the CPC who is head of its Organization Department, Zhang Dejiang, member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the CPC and vice-premier of the State Council of China, Meng Jianzhu, State councilor and minister of Public Security of China, and other senior officials of the Chinese party and government visited the DPRK in this meaningful year, he said, adding: They were received by Kim Jong Il and had in-depth discussions and reached effective agreements with Korean comrades on the important issues arising in boosting the friendly and cooperative relations between the two parties and countries in different fields including politics, economy and culture.

Liu Hongcai and the staff members of the embassy expressed heartfelt thanks to Kim Jong Il for sparing precious time to meet them again though he was very busy steering the building of a prosperous and powerful nation and manifested their will to make positive efforts for the steady development of the Sino-DPRK friendship.

Xinhua reported:

Kim Jong Il, top leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), met the Chinese ambassador to the DPRK on Monday and praised the Chinese embassy for its contribution to the development of Sino-DPRK relations.

According to a report of DPRK’s official KCNA news agency, Kim highly appreciated the positive efforts made by the Chinese embassy to contribute the development of the DPRK-China friendly and cooperative relations.

Ambassador Liu Hongcai conveyed warm greetings from Chinese President Hu Jintao to the DPRK leader.

Liu said Kim’s two visits to China this year had played an important role in consolidating and developing the traditional China-DPRK friendship.

The DPRK leader also hosted a dinner for Liu and staff members of the embassy.

Also present at the meeting were Kim Jong Un, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), Ri Yong Ho, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the WPK, and some other DPRK officials.

The meeting and dinner with Liu ended a particularly busy October for Kim Jong Il.  It aoccurred one week after KJI met with Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang and as the Chinese finalized preparations for the launch of the  Shenzhou 8 space vehicle.  KJI’s meeting with Liu also took place the same day DPRK Senior (First) Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kim Kye Gwan, was scheduled to meet with Chinese 6 Party Talks representative Wu Dawei in Beijing; incidentally, newly appointed 6PT ROK envoy Lim Sung-nam was slated to meet Wu on Tuesday (1 November).  China Daily reports:

According to the press release, a number of top leaders of the DPRK joined Kim at the dinner, including Kim Jong-un, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), and Ri Yong-ho, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the WPK.

Liu Jiangyong, a specialist on Northeast Asia studies at Tsinghua University, said, based on the guest list, “Kim took almost all the main leaders in the DPRK to the dinner”.

“The move reflects the consensus reached in the DPRK leadership on the high importance they attach to China. Also we can see they’re quite satisfied with Li’s visit and the work of the ambassador,” Liu said.

The DPRK thanked China for its positive attitude on continuing and developing bilateral relations, highlighted by Li’s visit, Liu said.

Zhang Liangui, a professor at the Research Institute for International Strategic Studies, which is affiliated with the Party School of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, said Kim has a tradition of showing hospitality to Chinese ambassadors to the DPRK, and even visited the Chinese embassy to celebrate the Lantern Festival.

Zhang noted the event was also possibly linked to Kim Kye-gwan’s China tour. The Foreign Ministry said on its website that Kim met Vice-Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun and China’s top envoy for Korean Peninsula affairs Wu Dawei, without providing details.

“It’s highly likely that Kim Kye-gwan notified Beijing about his talks with Stephen Bosworth,” Zhang said. Kim said after the talks with Bosworth that “big progress” had been made and the two sides had agreed to meet again.

Kim and top Chinese diplomats may also have discussed the resumption of the Six-Party Talks, Zhang said.

This latest DPRK-PRC interaction also took place several days after the premiere of the P’ibada Opera Troupe’s staging of Butterfly Lovers (Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai) at Dongfang Theater in Changchun on 25 October.  The P’ibada Opera Troupe will give 30 performances of the opera during a three month tour of 12 Chinese cities.  Among the officials in attendance at the opera’s opening night was the newly appointed DPRK Consul in Shenyang, Kim Kwang Hun.

KJI Meets with Le Keqiang

Kim Jong Il shakes hands with Chinese Vice Premier Le Keqiang (Photo: Xinhua/KCNA)

Taking time from a recent spate of KPA field inspections and on-the-spot guidance visits, Kim Jong Il met with Chinese Vice Premier Le Keqiang and a delegation of senior PRC officials on Tuesday (25 October).  Le arrived in the DPRK on Sunday (23 October) where he was greeted on the tarmac by DPRK Vice Premier Kang Sok Ju, CC KWP Secretary and International Department Director Kim Yong Il, CC KWP Secretary Mun Kyong Dok and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Song Gi.  On Monday, Le had separate meetings with DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim and SPA President Kim Yong Nam.  Le met with KJI and attended a banquet.  Along with KJI, other members of the DPRK central leadership who dined with Le included Jang Song Taek, Kim Jong Un, VMar Ri Yong Ho, Kang Sok Ju and Kim Yang Gon.

Kim Jong Il receives presents from the Chinese delegation led by Vice Premier Le Keqiang (L) with other members of the DPRK central leadership in attendance (Photo: KCNA)

A decorative panel, among the gifts presented to Kim Jong Il, by the Chinese delegation during their visit during 24-25 October 2011 (Photo: KCNA)

Chinese Vice Premier Le Keqiang toasts with Kim Jong Il during a banquet he hosted for the Chinese delegation(Photo: KCNA)

On Monday (24 October), Le visited the Friendship Tower where he placed a wreath and signed the guest book.  He also toured a Chinese language class and the e-library at Kim Il Sung University.  KCNA reports:

After the DPRK military band played the national anthems of both countries, Li entered the tower where he skimmed through the martyrs’ book, watched the wall paintings describing how the Chinese volunteers joined the war and helped the DPRK people with construction.

Li said during the visit that peace does not come easily, so the achievements of construction should be treasured even more.

As a symbol of China-DPRK friendship, the Friendship Tower was completed in 1959.

Also on Monday, Li visited Kim Il Sung University where he observed Chinese-language studies and chatted with teachers and students.

Li said the future of the China-DPRK ties depends on the youths of both countries, encouraging DPRK students to promote cooperation between the two countries and pass down China-DPRK friendship from generation to generation.

Li toured the e-library of the university and donated education facilities and books. He arrived here on Sunday for an official goodwill visit to the DPRK

Le’s visit to Pyongyang, which will be followed by a trip ROK during 26 to 27 October, occurred amid other activities and events between the DPRK and PRC.  On 21 October (Friday) the P’ibada opera troupe departed to Beijing for a three month tour through China of its production Butterfly Lovers (Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai).  A delegation of Chinese media officials visited the DPRK at the beginning of the month for five (5) days and  (collectively?) commented they “were deeply moved by the profound friendship between China and the DPRK sealed with blood.”  On 18 October, Chinese press reported that officials of its Railways Bureau completed an inspection of the China-DPRK Friendship Bridge, which links Dandong to Sinuiju, North Pyongan.  The month-long inspection found the 70-year bridge safe for traffic.  PRC Ambassador to the DPRK, Liu Hongcai, along with his wife and embassy officials, took part in crop harvesting at the DPRK-China T’aegam Friendship Farm in Sunan District in Pyongyang on 13 October.  On Saturday, Liu told Xinhua:

He pointed out that the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries has shown great potential, with bilateral trade and investment volume reaching new highs.

The bilateral trade volume was 3.1 billion U.S. dollars in the first seven months of this year, registering a year-on-year increase of 87 percent, the ambassador said.

Liu stressed that the DPRK’s increased emphasis on economic development and improving people’s living standard is broadening its foreign economic cooperation and attracting more Chinese enterprises to do business and invest in the country.

Liu expressed his belief that Chinese Vice Premier Li’s upcoming visit will further strengthen political mutual trust between the two countries, deepen the bilateral economic and trade cooperation, help promote the China-DPRK friendship and cooperation to a higher level, and make positive contribution to the maintenance and promotion of regional peace and stability.

The DPRK has not restricted its external contacts to the Chinese.  In Bangkok, Thailand, US and DPRK officials agreed on the resumption of recovery missions of US service members killed during active hostilities of the Korean (Fatherland Liberation) War.  In Geneva, the US and DPRK concluded its two-day interaction.  Neither a significant breakthrough nor announcement was expected, but outgoing special envoy Stephen Bosworth said the two countries “narrowed our differences.”  Heading the DPRK’s delegation in Switzerland was senior (first) vice minister of foreign affairs, Kim Kye Gwan, distinctly not present in Pyongyang to participate in the meeting with a senior official from his country’s closest ally.  AFP reports:

The parties were able to narrow some differences, although more time was needed to reach an agreement, Stephen Bosworth, outgoing US special representative told reporters following the talks.

“We had some very positive and generally constructive talks with the DPRK delegation. We narrowed differences on several points and explored differences on other points,” he said.

Bosworth noted that there remained sticking points, “not all of which can be overcome quickly.”

However, “I am confident that with continued efforts on both sides we can reach a reasonable basis of departure for formal negotiations for the return of the six party process,” he added.

Together with his successor Glyn Davies, Bosworth met the North Korean delegation led by first vice minister Kim Kye-Gwan over two days in Geneva. The meeting, which took place first at the US embassy on Monday, rotated to the North Korean mission on Tuesday.

It coincided with a visit by China’s vice premier Li Keqiang to Pyongyang, where he met North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il, according to Chinese state media.

Kim told Li that Pyongyang “hopes the six-party talks about the nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula should be restarted as soon as possible”, China’s official Xinhua news agency reported early Tuesday.

The “principle of simultaneous action” should apply, it quoted Kim as saying — a reiteration of the North’s stance that the negotiations should begin again without preconditions.

Korean People's Navy (KPA Navy) Senior Vice Admiral Kim Myong Sik, commander of the East Sea Command (Photo: KCNA)

From Geneva, Kim Kye Gwan traveled to Moscow.  His arrival occurred a week following additional DPRK interactions with the Russian Federation.  On 20 October the KPA Navy’s commander of the East Sea (of Japan) fleet visited Vladivostok.  Senior Vice Admiral Kim Myong Sik met with senior officials of Russia’s Pacific Fleet, in addition to visiting other areas in the vicinity.  Kim’s meeting focused on finalizing preparations for a visit by a DPRK vessel to visit Vladivostok in November, as well as discussing a joint naval drill between the two countries.  In Pyongyang, Oleg Kozhemyako met with DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim on 19 October (Wednesday) and attended a dinner with Kim Jong Il.

Kim Jong Il poses for a commemorative photo with a delegation from the Amur Region of Russia during their visit to the DPRK (Photo: KCNA)