Diplomatic Relations

[Anchor Lead]

Chinese President Xi Jinping and the first lady of China watched the concert by a North Korean art troupe that has visited Beijing recently to mark the 70th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between Pyongyang and Beijing. The North Korean artists did not include anything related to Pyongyang's nuclear program, and emphasized friendly relations between the two countries.

[Pkg]

President Xi Jinping and the first lady of China attended the performance by a North Korean art troupe one day earlier than expected. The concert began with the song "Long Live Friendship between North Korea and China." China's state broadcaster CCTV reported that the concert also featured folk songs of the two nations and was held in a friendly atmosphere. In the finale, the North Korean artists performed the Chinese song "Unforgettable Night." Images released by Xinhua News Agency show artists performing in the traditional dress "hanbok." The background image shows the symbolic Juche Tower in Pyongyang instead of nuclear weapons or missiles, which caused a row between Pyongyang and Beijing three years ago. Analysts say this was done in consideration of a second summit between North Korea and the United States slated for February. After the concert, the Chinese president and his wife took the stage to shake hands with the artists and pose for cameras. Other high-profile Chinese politicians who attended the concert include Wang Huning, Ding Xuexiang and Yang Jiechi. Prior to the concert, President Xi met with North Korean Workers' Party Vice Chairman Ri Su-yong, who is heading the art troupe. Xi Jinping stressed that the concert served as an important event for helping North Korea and China establish a common ground. He also sent his greetings to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his wife. The North Korean art troupe, which received a warm welcome from Beijing, will stage one more concert on January 28 before returning home.