Wang Huning talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Dandong

Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Wang Huning meets with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Dandong, Liaoning Province to confirm their commitment to expand economic cooperation.

Kim crossed into the northeastern border city of Dandong earlier on Saturday in a move seen as highlighting Beijing and Pyongyang's push to expand trade ties ahead of next month's APEC summit.

Sunday marks the 76th anniversary of the Chinese military's entry in the Korean War. In a ceremony, Kim commemorated the volunteer army soldiers by laying a wreath at the monument of Chinese martyrs.

He later engaged in a bilateral meeting with China's top political advisor Wang Huning, who accompanied him on a visit to Dandong and conveyed President Xi Jinping's cordial greetings.

State media reported Kim as saying he's grateful for China's long-standing support and assistance for North Korea's socialist cause and that the prospects for their cooperation are very broad.

Wang emphasised both sides should expand personnel exchanges and economic and trade collaboration with the opening of the New Yalu River Bridge, calling for enhanced strategic communication to "create a peaceful and stable external environment" that safeguards each other's sovereignty, security and developmental interests.

Observors say a visit by Kim would be consistent with the close economic ties and more frequent high-level exchanges between the two countries.

Kim's last visit was in September 2025 to attend the 80th Victory Day celebrations in Beijing.