Kim Jong-un Honors Chinese People's Volunteers Martyrs Ahead of Visit to China

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un visited the Chinese People's Volunteers Martyrs Cemetery in North Korea on the 24th, marking the 76th anniversary of the Chinese People's Volunteers' entry into the Korean War front, and traveled to Dandong, China, the same day to showcase North Korea-China relations (as reported by the Korean Central News Agency). The moves came on the year marking 76 years since the Chinese People's Volunteers (the Chinese army that fought to aid North Korea during the Korean War) entered the conflict. October 25 is the day in 1950 when China entered the war under the banner of the 'Resist America, Aid Korea' campaign (supporting North Korea against the United States).

In an editorial on the 25th, the Korean Central News Agency emphasized solidarity between the two countries, stating, "Korea-China friendship is an invincible friendship firmly bound by blood ties forged in the struggle against foreign invaders."

The Korean Central News Agency reported that North Korea rebuilt the Chinese People's Volunteers Martyrs Cemetery in Sinphyong County, North Hwanghae Province, into a 'Martyrs Cemetery' to mark the anniversary. The existing burial grounds were expanded and upgraded into a commemorative space.

The completion ceremony was held on site on the 24th, attended by a Chinese delegation led by Hong Zhongming, deputy head of China's Ministry of Veterans Affairs (vice-ministerial level). Also present were the Chinese Embassy in North Korea's chargé d'affaires, visiting Chinese guests, and ethnic Chinese residents (as reported by the Korean Central News Agency). The tribute visit and the facility's renovation took place around the same time (as reported by the Korean Central News Agency).