시진핑 방북에 北中매체들 '조중친선' 강조

North Korean and Chinese media both highlighted the significance of "unbreakable friendship" between the two sides.
The regime's state media welcomed Xi and emphasized the visit would further strengthen their ties.
Oh Jung-hee has the full story.
North Korean and Chinese media set the tone for the fifth summit between Kim Jong-un and Xi Jinping on Thursday, highlighting some positive prospects.
Pyeongyang's ruling party newspaper Rodong Sinmun (quote)"fervently welcomed" the Chinese President's visit,... saying it would further strengthen the two sides' (quote)"blood ties."
It stressed that Xi visiting the regime amid some ongoing critical international affairs shows that China puts much weight on its friendship with the North.
Pyeongyang and Beijing celebrate 70 years of diplomatic ties this year.
The paper reiterated that the North aims to further develop its relations with China,... saying strong relations help secure the two's interests as well as help peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region.
Reports from China focused more on claiming that China should have a bigger role in resolving the Korean Peninsula issue.
On Thursday, Beijing's Huanqiu Shibao wrote... that Pyeongyang and Beijing's friendship is a positive asset that can help solve the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.
While many speculated that the Chinese leader chose to visit the North to show Beijing's still-strong influence over North Korea amid its ongoing trade war with the U.S., the paper refuted such claims... saying their relationship is only to secure each of their long-term interests and isn't at all (quote)"opportunistic."
It pointed out some do not want China participating and exerting influence to create a roadmap towards denuclearization.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has previously implied that he will take up a greater role in discussions surrounding the Korean Peninsula,... writing in the North's Rodong Sinmun on Wednesday that Beijing is willing to draft together with North Korea some grand plans for lasting peace in the region.
Oh Jung-hee, Arirang News.