New Delhi, July 11 -- their alliance remains bound, above all, by shared opposition to American influence in the region.

to preserve the traditional friendship between the two nations, to continue supporting the direction Kim has set for the country, and to safeguard their mutual interests against outside pressure, according to Xinhua.

Kim responded by reaffirming the DPRK's support for China's position on Taiwan, aligning Pyongyang publicly with Beijing's most sensitive territorial claim.

The exchange arrives as both countries navigate intensifying economic and strategic pressure from the United States and its allies. Xi urged the two sides to maintain what he called "strategic resolve" and "strategic confidence," a pairing of terms t...