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China's Xi congratulates Kim on a new title

China's Xi congratulates Kim on a new title


Chinese state media said Monday that Chinese President Xi Jinping has congratulated North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on his election as general secretary of the ruling Workers' Party.

 

Kim was chosen’ to take over the title from his late father on Sunday. China is North Korea's largest trading partner and close ally.

 

According to China's state-run Xinhua news agency, Xi said North Korea, led by Kim, could achieve its economic and social development goals and "achieve maximum socialist development."

 

Kim told a party congressional representative last week that his five-year economic plan had failed to meet its targets. He blamed international sanctions as well as unforeseen crises, including the corona virus epidemic and natural disasters, and criticized officials for mistakes that needed to be’ addressed.

 

Since Kim came to power in 2011, the living standards of many North Koreans have improved as markets have expanded and consumer goods have become more widely available. But now the country is facing its worst crisis since the famine in the 1990s, and projects such as tourist destinations, economic zones, and a major hospital have stalled.

 

Talks have also stalled to persuade North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons and improve relations with the United States and South Korea, with Pyongyang accusing Seoul and Washington of pursuing hostile policies.


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