Xi Jinping Welcomes The Election Of Kim Jong-un As Secretary General Of The Labor Party

Kim Jong-un dan Xi Jinping (Sumber: Commons Wikimedia)

JAKARTA - Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated Supreme Leader of North Korea (North Korea) Kim Jong-un being elected as Secretary General of the Labor Party. China is North Korea's biggest trading partner and closest ally.

Quoting Reuters, Tuesday, January 12, 2021, Kim Jong-un was elected General Secretary of the Labor Party. He took over the title from his late father.

This was a move that appeared largely symbolic and aimed at strengthening his power. Congress also "fully approved" a proposal to promote Kim Jong-un to the position.

"Kim Jong-un's takeover shows his belief that he has now officially joined the ranks of his father and grandfather," said Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the North Korean Studies University in Seoul.

Xi Jinping said North Korea under Kim Jong-un's leadership could achieve its economic and social development goals. Xi Jinping also said Kim Jong-un could "achieve greater success in socialist development."

Xi Jinping's statements were broadcast by the state news agency, Xinhua. North Korean state media said Xi Jinping had a desire to maintain regional peace and stability and development and prosperity with North Korea.

The statement also said that Xi Jinping wanted to bring greater happiness to the two countries by strengthening ties. "The message emphasizes that it is the unwavering policy of the Party and Chinese government to successfully protect, consolidate and develop the China - Democratic People's Republic of Korea relationship," said KCNA.

Kim Jong-un told congress that his five-year economic plan failed to meet its objectives. He blamed international sanctions as well as unforeseen crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters while criticizing officials for mistakes that needed to be corrected.

Since Kim Jong-un came to power in 2011, living standards have improved for many North Koreans as markets proliferate and consumer goods have become more widely available. But now the country is facing its most challenging situation since the famine in the 1990s.

Projects, such as tourist resorts, economic zones and major hospitals appear to have stalled. Talks aimed at persuading North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons and improve relations with the United States (US) and South Korea (South Korea) have also stalled.

North Korea accuses South Korea and the US of maintaining hostile policies. At this rare congress, the dictator's leader also said he would expand diplomacy. But it will also continue to develop weapons including the 'multi-warhead' intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and keep calling the US "our greatest enemy."