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‘Eternal Friendship’ … China, North Korea Open ‘New Chapter’ in Ties

Beijing's top legislator Zhao Leji and his North Korean counterpart Choe Ryong Hae are seen in Pyongyang on Friday. (dpa)
Beijing's top legislator Zhao Leji and his North Korean counterpart Choe Ryong Hae are seen in Pyongyang on Friday. (dpa)
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‘Eternal Friendship’ … China, North Korea Open ‘New Chapter’ in Ties

Beijing's top legislator Zhao Leji and his North Korean counterpart Choe Ryong Hae are seen in Pyongyang on Friday. (dpa)
Beijing's top legislator Zhao Leji and his North Korean counterpart Choe Ryong Hae are seen in Pyongyang on Friday. (dpa)

China's top legislator and a senior North Korean official underscored the opening of a "new chapter" of Beijing-Pyongyang relations, the North's state media said on Saturday, as they met for one of the most high-level talks between the allies in years.

Beijing's third highest-ranking official Zhao Leji - a member of the powerful Standing Committee of the Chinese Communist Party's Politburo - is on a goodwill visit to the nuclear-armed North as the two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic ties, according to AFP.

China is North Korea's most important economic benefactor and diplomatic ally, obstructing US-led efforts at the UN Security Council alongside Russia to impose stricter sanctions on Kim Jong Un's government in response to its increased weapons tests.

Zhao and his North Korean counterpart Choe Ryong Hae attended an opening ceremony for the "year of DPRK-China friendship" in Pyongyang on Friday, North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency said, using the acronym for the North's official name.

In a speech, Zhao said it is the "consistent strategic policy" of Beijing to "successfully defend, consolidate and develop" China-North Korea relations, according to KCNA.

China is willing to "thoroughly implement the important common understanding" of the two countries and "open up a new chapter of China-DPRK friendship along with the times", he added.

North Korea's Choe said the two countries' relationship "has greeted a new heyday under the wise leadership" of their leaders, KCNA said.

Some performers wore colorful traditional Korean and Chinese garments, and what appeared to be the final moment of the event highlighted a massive image of the countries' flags, accompanied by the phrase "eternal friendship".

Zhao is China's third highest-ranking official, behind President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.

Xi last met Kim in 2019 before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, making the Pyongyang meeting between Zhao and Choe one of the most high-level meetings in years.

South Korean local media reports said this week that Zhao's trip could include planning for Kim's next potential state visit to Beijing.

North Korea's rhetoric towards the South has been in stark contrast to the friendly relations with Beijing.

This year, Kim has declared Seoul his country's "principal enemy", jettisoned agencies dedicated to reunification and outreach, and threatened war over "even 0.001 mm" of territorial infringement.

China's state-run news agency Xinhua said on Friday that Zhao and Choe discussed the "situation on the Korean peninsula", and Zhao expressed Beijing's willingness to "intensify legislative exchanges and cooperation".

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Macron Affirms Trump Has ‘Solid Ally’ in France, Urges Realism from Ukraine over Territory

French President Emmanuel Macron delivers his speech to the French Bakery and Pastry Federation members during the traditional Epiphany cake ceremony at the Élysée Palace in Paris, France, 06 January 2025. (EPA)
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers his speech to the French Bakery and Pastry Federation members during the traditional Epiphany cake ceremony at the Élysée Palace in Paris, France, 06 January 2025. (EPA)
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Macron Affirms Trump Has ‘Solid Ally’ in France, Urges Realism from Ukraine over Territory

French President Emmanuel Macron delivers his speech to the French Bakery and Pastry Federation members during the traditional Epiphany cake ceremony at the Élysée Palace in Paris, France, 06 January 2025. (EPA)
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers his speech to the French Bakery and Pastry Federation members during the traditional Epiphany cake ceremony at the Élysée Palace in Paris, France, 06 January 2025. (EPA)

French President Emmanuel Macron said his country was a "a solid ally” of President-elect Donald Trump on Monday as he outlined his vision for global diplomacy in 2025, while warning that France could lose the incoming US leader’s respect by being “weak and defeatist.”

“Donald Trump knows that he has a solid ally in France, an ally he does not underestimate, one who believes in Europe and carries a lucid ambition for the transatlantic relationship,” Macron said in a New Year's speech at the Élysée Palace, emphasizing France’s commitment to fostering cooperation while urging European nations to fortify their unity and resilience.

Last month, Trump visited Paris for the grand reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, an event that underscored the enduring ties between France and the United States.

“If we decide to be weak and defeatist, there is little chance we will be respected by the United States under President Trump,” Macron warned.

The speech, delivered against a backdrop of geopolitical turmoil, laid out France’s foreign policy priorities, spanning the Ukraine war, European defense, and the Middle East.

Even as Macron expressed openness to Trump, he delivered pointed criticism of tech mogul Elon Musk, a known Trump ally, for promoting what he described as a “new reactionary international” movement through his social media platform, X.

Without naming Musk directly, Macron referenced his alleged support for Germany’s far-right AfD party and his increasing interference in European elections.

“Who could have imagined, 10 years ago, that the owner of one of the world’s largest social networks would intervene directly in elections, including in Germany?” Macron said. He warned of the risks posed by unchecked power in the hands of tech billionaires and the destabilizing impact they could have on democratic institutions.

Macron framed Musk’s influence as a challenge to Europe’s democratic values, reinforcing the need for European unity and resilience against external disruptions.

Call for realism and responsibility on Ukraine

Addressing the grinding war in Ukraine, Macron stressed the need for “realistic discussions on territorial questions,” adding, “such negotiations can only be conducted by Ukrainians themselves.”

He called on the United States to “help change the nature of the situation and convince Russia to come to the negotiating table,” while underscoring Europe’s pivotal role. “The Europeans will have to construct security guarantees for Ukraine, which will be primarily their responsibility,” he said.

Macron countered Trump’s campaign pledge for an express settlement, warning, “There is no quick and easy solution in Ukraine.” He also highlighted the stakes for the United States, stating, “The new American president himself knows the United States has no chance of winning anything if Ukraine loses.”

The French president further cautioned against compromise due to fatigue. “The credibility of the West will be shattered if we compromise because of fatigue,” he asserted, adding that a capitulation of Ukraine would be catastrophic—not just for Europe, but for US credibility as well.

Iran and Syria

Macron addressed a range of pressing international issues, identifying Iran as the “principal strategic and security challenge” in the Middle East. He pointed to Tehran’s accelerated nuclear program as a looming global threat, warning that the world is “perilously close to the breaking point.”

On Syria, Macron reiterated France’s long-term commitment to supporting a democratic transition, pledging to remain faithful to Kurdish fighters battling terrorism. “The fight against terrorism must remain central to our priorities,” he said, reaffirming France’s backing for allies like the Kurds while advocating for a “sovereign, pluralistic Syria.”

Europe’s defense and economic future

In a sharp critique of Europe’s dependence on US defense technology, Macron urged European nations to bolster their industrial capabilities.

“If we depend on the American industrial base for our security, we will face strategic dilemmas that are both cruel and culpable,” he warned.

Macron also addressed the EU-Mercosur trade deal that France continues to oppose, signaling his country's intent to push for coherent commitments. The proposed agreement, which aims to reduce tariffs and boost trade between the European Union and South American countries, has been criticized for its potential environmental and agricultural impacts.

“The mass is not said. We will continue to defend the coherence of our commitments,” Macron stated.

Macron’s remarks underscored France’s delicate balancing act on the global stage—collaborating with old allies while maintaining European sovereignty.