China applauds North Korea on party conclave in ‘new historical period’ of ties: Xinhua

China has joined Russia in congratulating North Korea on the conclave of its ruling party, hailing economic achievements under the leadership of Kim Jong-un and pledging to work with Pyongyang to promote regional peace.

According to Xinhua, the Central Committee of China’s Communist Party sent a congratulatory letter on Thursday, asserting that the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea had in recent years helped develop the North Korean economy and improve the lives of its people.

China’s state news agency said the party’s ninth congress – and the first such meeting in five years – was of “great significance”, and wished the North Korean people “continued success in their socialist construction under the strong leadership” of the party and leader Kim.

“In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and countries, China-North Korea relations have entered a new historical period,” the letter said.

It added that China had always attached strong importance to developing relations with North Korea and was willing to deepen exchanges and contribute to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity.

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The Workers’ Party of Korea opened its rare congress – held every five years – on Thursday where Pyongyang will outline major policy goals in fields ranging from defence to diplomacy and economy. The meeting is expected to run for several days.