Chinese FM holds talks with DPRK FM

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with the Foreign Minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Choe Son Hui in Beijing on Sunday, noting that maintaining, consolidating and developing bilateral relations has always been a steadfast strategic guideline of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese government.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said that China and the DPRK are friendly neighbors that are connected by mountains and rivers, adding that the traditional friendship forged and nurtured by the older generations of the leaders of the two parties and the two countries is a valuable asset shared by both sides.

Earlier this month, General Secretary Xi Jinping and General Secretary Kim Jong Un held a historic meeting and reached an important consensus, pointing out the direction and drawing up the blueprint for the development of China-DPRK relations, Wang noted.

He said that the two sides should implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, enhance strategic communication and strengthen exchanges and cooperation, in order to better improve the well-being of the two peoples and jointly promote regional peace and development.

Wang also briefed on the domestic situation in China, noting that since China and the DPRK are both socialist countries with common ideals and goals, the two sides should enhance exchanges of experience in governance and administration to promote the development of their respective socialist causes. Wang said that China appreciates the DPRK's firm support for China's core interests and major concerns, as well as its backing of the concept of building a community with a shared future for humanity, and of the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative proposed by China.

China stands ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with the DPRK in international and regional affairs, oppose all forms of hegemonism, and safeguard the common interests of both sides and international fairness and justice, he added.

Choe said that China's commemorative events to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War have fully demonstrated China's historical achievements, comprehensive national strength and international status.

The historic meeting held by the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries has provided strategic guidance and strong impetus to deepen relations between the DPRK and China, Choe added.

Choe noted that the DPRK side is willing to work with the Chinese side to implement the consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, enhance strategic communication, increase friendly exchanges, deepen practical cooperation, and promote the development of DPRK-China relations to a new and higher level.

Choe also said the DPRK is willing to closely cooperate with China in multilateral affairs, jointly resist unilateralism and power politics, and promote a fairer and more just world order.

Chinese FM holds talks with DPRK FM

A former television host from Taiwan, Zhai Xuan, has made a pivotal decision to leave mainstream broadcasting in order to create content that provides a better understanding of the Chinese mainland and cross-strait relations.

Zhai, a seasoned television host with over a decade of experience in Taiwan's media landscape, recently addressed an audience at an event in Beijing, where she revealed her complete transition into independent online media.

In her remarks, she articulated her aspiration to bridge what she perceives as a significant information gap between audiences on both sides of the Strait, highlighting her commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and connection through her new endeavors.

"I was really surprised by all the fake news. There were stories saying people on the mainland can't afford tea eggs or that they live in mud houses and in Taiwan, this was the main information many people received," said Zhai.

Zhai said she initially began producing online videos to challenge such perceptions while continuing her work as a television host.

In April 2025, she travelled to the mainland with her father to fulfill her late grandfather's wish to return to his hometown. The trip, which reunited family members separated since 1949, was recorded in a video series titled "Journey to Find Our Roots", drawing attention from viewers in both Taiwan and the mainland.

"Many people in Taiwan told me that after watching, they wanted to apply for a mainland travel permit immediately and go looking for their relatives. Some had long forgotten these things, but after seeing my story, they began thinking about their hometowns and family members they had never met and decided to search for their roots," Zhai shared her story at the event.

By mid-2025, Zhai said she began to feel increasing pressure amid rising political tensions and a tightening atmosphere around cross-Strait exchanges in Taiwan.

After more than 12 years in the industry, Zhai resigned from her position, believing it was the right thing to do.

"At that moment, I felt this was a major issue，not just for me, but for Chinese people on both sides of the Strait. If I backed down then, I wouldn’t be standing on the right side," said Zhai.

Since leaving television, Zhai has broadened her online programming to encompass a range of daily-life topics, including practical guidance on applying for a mainland travel permit and using commonly employed mobile applications, in addition to content that delves into historical memory and cultural connections across the Strait.

As the debate over cross-Strait relations continues in Taiwan, Zhai said she remains committed to her current path.

Former Taiwan TV host bridges cross-Strait divide via online media