China pays tribute to ex-North Korean head of state Kim Yong Nam
“Beijing lauded Kim Yong Nam's contributions to China-North Korea relations after the former North Korean head of state died at 97.”
Key points
- Beijing lauded Kim Yong Nam's contributions to China-North Korea relations after the former North Korean head of state died at 97.
- Pyongyang formed a high-level funeral committee led by Kim Jong Un to honour his legacy.
China expressed deep condolences over the death of Kim Yong Nam, North Korea's longtime ceremonial head of state, who passed away at 97 after a chronic illness. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning called him an "old friend of the Chinese people," praising his role in strengthening bilateral ties.
Kim, who led the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly from 1998 to 2019, was one of Pyongyang's most visible diplomats abroad, often representing North Korea at global events. His passing comes as Beijing and Pyongyang maintain close political relations and trade links.
North Korea announced a state funeral committee led by Kim Jong Un, underscoring the significance of Kim Yong Nam's decades-long service to the state.
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