Xi, Kim exchange congratulations over 65th anniversary of China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, and Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on Saturday exchanged congratulations over the 65th anniversary of the signing of the China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance.　

In his message, Xi said that in 1961, the older generations of leaders of China and the DPRK signed the China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, laying an important political and legal foundation for consolidating the friendship forged in blood between the two peoples.

The treaty has played an important role in carrying forward China-DPRK friendship and safeguarding peace and stability in the region and beyond, he said.

Over the past 65 years, the two sides have upheld the spirit of the treaty, supported each other, stood united, cooperated closely and worked together, vividly demonstrating the defining features of China-DPRK relations -- friendship passed down from generation to generation, a shared future and mutual support, he said.

Xi pointed to a successful state visit to the DPRK in June, when he reached important consensus with Kim on consolidating and carrying forward the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK and enriching it with new dimensions, providing strategic guidance and a new blueprint for the development of China-DPRK relations in the new era.

Facing a rapidly evolving world undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, Xi voiced willingness to work with Kim to further strengthen strategic communication, keep China-DPRK relations on the right track and guide bilateral friendly cooperation to deliver greater benefits to the two peoples, so as to make positive contributions to promoting regional peace and development.

No matter how the international landscape evolves, the firm position of China's Party and government to attach great importance to the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK will remain unchanged; the firm support for Kim in leading the DPRK's socialist cause will remain unchanged; and the determination to safeguard the common interests of both sides and maintain a favorable strategic environment will remain unchanged, he said.

Xi expressed confidence that, under the leadership of the WPK headed by Kim, the DPRK people will fully implement the decisions and arrangements of the Ninth Congress of the WPK and continue to achieve new and greater successes in their socialist cause.

Xi, Kim exchange congratulations over 65th anniversary of China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance

Amid rising regional tensions, large rallies broke out on Friday in Sanaa, the Yemeni capital, and across more than 14 Houthi-controlled provinces, with crowds voicing support for Iran in the event of any escalation with Saudi Arabia.

The Houthi military group said that the demonstrations were held in solidarity with Iran and in condemnation of the U.S. strikes against it. The group warned that ongoing developments in the Middle East could have broader implications for regional security and stability.

Demonstrators chanted slogans in support of Tehran as tensions continued to mount, with growing fears that the friction could threaten security in the Red Sea and the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait.

"We believe there should be a strong and well-calculated response against the United States and Israel. We also believe it is necessary to maintain the unity of the fronts and for the other fronts to take part in this confrontation, so that we can teach the United States a lesson. Otherwise, it will continue with this policy," said Zaid Al-Gharsi, Head of Media Department under the Office of the Presidency in Houthi-controlled Sanaa.

The rallies conveyed messages beyond political support.

They also backed the group's latest military statement, which warned Saudi Arabia against any actions that would constitute violations of Yemeni airspace.

The statement threatened to target airports, ports and other critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia if such incidents were to recur. It also underscored the group's escalating rhetoric and links developments in Yemen to broader regional tensions. "The red lines that could push Sanaa from warnings to military action are any military responses by the Saudi government, or any attempts again to block or prevent Iranian aircraft from landing at the Sanaa International Airport. These are the red lines. If Saudi Arabia takes such actions, it will face a strong response, and I believe it could lead to a full-scale war," Abdullah Al-Nuaimi, a member of the Houthi political bureau. The rallies also highlighted the group's call for public mobilization, stressing readiness for a general response if military confrontations with the U.S. or other international parties resume. Observers believe these events reflect the readiness of Houthi supporters to back any steps the group may take if the escalation expands.

Houthi-held areas see mass rallies backing Iran, warning Saudi Arabia