North Korea’s state media published the full text of a New Year’s letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in the Rodong Sinmun, a newspaper widely read by the public. Meanwhile, a New Year’s greeting from Chinese President Xi Jinping was reported alongside messages from other foreign leaders, hinting at a potential shift in Pyongyang’s diplomatic priorities.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Jan. 1 that Kim had received New Year’s greetings from various heads of state, party leaders, and other dignitaries. Xi’s message was listed alongside those from the leaders of Vietnam, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Belarus. As of this morning, there has been no report of Kim sending a reciprocal New Year’s message to Xi.
By contrast, North Korea gave significant attention to its exchanges with Russia. On Dec. 27, it announced that Putin had sent a New Year’s message to Kim, followed by a Dec. 31 report that Kim had reciprocated. Both letters were prominently featured on the front and second pages of the Rodong Sinmun.
Last year, North Korea had similarly reported on New Year’s greetings, listing Xi ahead of Putin. However, the conclusion of the “Year of Friendship” between North Korea and China, marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, passed without a closing ceremony, a departure from previous practice. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning declined to comment during a Dec. 30 briefing when asked why the event had not taken place.
Additionally, KCNA reported that Kim sent a congratulatory message to Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel on the 66th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution. This is the first such message Kim has sent to Díaz-Canel since South Korea and Cuba established diplomatic relations in February of last year.
