North Korea’s Kim Jong-un labels China a ‘longstanding enemy’ amid rising tensions

In a notable shift in rhetoric, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reportedly labeled China as a “longstanding enemy,” marking a departure from previous diplomatic norms between the two nations.

This declaration comes amid growing unease in Pyongyang, which has been increasingly evident in its actions, such as not sending diplomatic representatives to key Chinese events attended by other major countries, including South Korea.

Multiple sources informed the JoongAng Ilbo, a leading South Korean newspaper affiliated with the Korea Daily, on September 19 that Kim recently expressed his views on China in a context that indicated rising tensions. Previously, in July, he had instructed North Korean diplomats in China to disregard Chinese authorities, suggesting a pattern of defiance against Chinese influence.

While the specific context and audience for Kim’s “longstanding enemy” remark remain unclear, it appears to be a reaction to China’s intensified crackdown on North Korean smuggling activities. Reports indicate that China has not only stepped up enforcement but has also confiscated key items used by Kim and refused to return them.

In North Korea, Kim’s statements are systematically disseminated within the ruling party and military, acting as guidelines for behavior. The weight of his designation of China as a “longstanding enemy” could significantly influence North Korea’s future diplomatic posture toward China.

The discomfort in North Korea’s relationship with China is also reflected in its absence from official events. A source revealed that North Korean military attachés did not attend a major reception hosted by the Chinese Ministry of Defense on July 31, which was attended by senior Chinese military officials. This absence contrasts sharply with North Korea’s historical participation in similar events.

Reports indicate that the Chinese government extended invitations to military attachés from all countries, including South Korea, which attended the event, highlighting North Korea’s unusual decision to stay away.

Additionally, it has been confirmed that North Korea did not send representatives to other Chinese military anniversary celebrations held at various embassies abroad. Similarly, Wang Yajun, the Chinese ambassador to North Korea, did not attend a North Korean event commemorating the Korean War armistice on July 27, known in North Korea as Victory Day, further indicating a cooling in relations.

On September 8, North Korea marked its founding anniversary with a ceremony, but once again, China’s representation was limited to a deputy ambassador, which raised eyebrows given the importance of the event in North Korean politics.

Kim’s previous references to China as a “longstanding enemy” are not unprecedented. Han Gi-beom, a senior researcher at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, noted that in early 2015, Kim stated that while the U.S. and Japan had been longstanding rivals for 100 years, China was an even more longstanding enemy for 5,000 years.

Kim’s recent comments suggest a perception that the North Korean-Chinese relationship has regressed to a decade-old dynamic, potentially driven by fundamental disagreements over critical issues like nuclear policy and China’s continued enforcement of international sanctions against North Korea.

Professor Im Eul-chul from the Far East Institute at Kyungnam University, “There appear to be fundamental differences between North Korea and China regarding the core policy of the Kim Jong-un regime, the nuclear issue.” He added, “China’s commitment to continuing international sanctions against North Korea and its increased efforts to crack down on major smuggling routes may also have impacted the relationship between the two countries.”

BY YEONGGYO CHUNG, YOUNGNAM KIM [chung.yeonggyo@joongang.co.kr]