Chinese civic group on Asian economic development visits N. Korea

▲ This image, captured from the website of the Chinese Embassy in North Korea, shows Ambassador Wang Yajun (R) meeting with Quan Shunji, president of the China-Asia Economic Development Association, on March 30, 2026. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

N Korea-China

Chinese civic group on Asian economic development visits N. Korea

SEOUL, March 31 (Yonhap) -- A Chinese civic group promoting economic exchanges with Asian countries visited North Korea and met with the top Chinese envoy in Pyongyang, who called for expanding cooperation with the North, the Chinese Embassy in the North said Tuesday.

Chinese Ambassador to North Korea Wang Yajun held a meeting Monday with a delegation from the China-Asia Economic Development Association (CAEDA) during the group's visit to North Korea, according to the embassy.

The CAEDA is a civic group established under the guidance of China's foreign ministry to support the country's Belt and Road Initiative and expand economic and cultural exchanges with countries in the region.

During Monday's meeting, Wang said China-North Korea relations have entered a "new stage of development," leading to a deepening of bilateral exchanges and cooperation across all sectors.

The envoy said he hopes the group will "seize the opportunity" to expand cooperation with North Korea in the economy, trade and other sectors. He also described the recent reopening of rail and flight services linking the two countries as new momentum in bilateral exchanges.

Quan Shunji, president of the CAEDA, pledged to use the latest visit as an opportunity to promote working-level cooperation with North Korea to help further advance the two countries' friendship.

The meeting took place on the same day China's national carrier, Air China, resumed direct flights between Beijing and Pyongyang following a six-year suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the reopening of the air route between the two countries.

The CAEDA president was presumed to have boarded the Air China flight that departed Beijing for Pyongyang on Monday.

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