For a Better World - A Record of Jiang Zemin's State Visit

Author: Zhong Zhicheng / Country:
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-07-01
Features: "To demonstrate the strength of Sino-DPRK friendship and unity" Pyongyang is a beautiful city, renowned as the "Land of Mountains and Rivers." The tranquil Taedong River and Pukchong River flow gently through the city. Along the riverbanks, willow trees are planted in abundance. The famous line by the 12th-century Korean poet Jeong Jichang, "On the purple path, spring breeze and light rain pass by, light dust does not stir, willow strands lean," depicts the enchanting scenery of Pyongyang in early spring. In March, Pyongyang still carries a hint of chill. However, as General Secretary Jiang Zemin set foot on DPRK soil, he was immediately immersed in the warm wave of friendship from the Korean people. On the way to the Baegwang National Guesthouse in a car accompanied by Kim Il Sung, over 500,000 Pyongyang citizens formed a 12-kilometer-long welcome procession. Dressed in festive attire, they waved the flags of both China and the DPRK, along with colorful bouquets, creating a sea of joy. A band of thousands played Chinese songs such as "Socialism is Good" and "There Is No New China Without the Communist Party of China," their uplifting melodies echoing to the heavens. General Secretary Jiang Zemin waved repeatedly to greet the crowds. As the convoy entered Kim Il Sung Square, the atmosphere of welcome reached its climax. General Secretary Jiang Zemin and Kim Il Sung stepped out of the car. Cui Wenshan, Secretary of the Pyongyang Municipal Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea and Chairman of the People's Committee, presented General Secretary Jiang Zemin with a sculpture symbolizing Sino-DPRK friendship—a Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldier and a DPRK People's Army soldier embracing tightly. General Secretary Jiang Zemin raised it high, and thousands of welcoming crowds erupted into thunderous applause and cheers. Ten thousand balloons took to the sky, and over 20,000 DPRK artists performed traditional Chinese "Red Silk Dance" and "Lion Dance." At the Chollima Square, 40,000 Pyongyang children cheered and jumped for joy. Korean children presented General Secretary Jiang Zemin with red neckerchiefs. General Secretary Jiang Zemin appeared radiant and full of vigor. He wished the DPRK children healthy growth. In front of the Sino-DPRK Friendship Tower, the DPRK People's Army Concert Band played the "March of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army," its stirring melody and the dance moves of the soldiers took people back to those unforgettable years of war. That evening, Kim Il Sung hosted a grand and solemn welcome banquet for General Secretary Jiang Zemin. The banquet hall was brilliantly lit, with pine and cypress trees and flowers arranged on both sides of the main table. As General Secretary Jiang Zemin entered the banquet hall accompanied by Kim Il Sung, the entire hall rose to its feet, erupting in warm applause. Kim Il Sung delivered a speech, saying that 40 years ago, the brotherly Chinese people, despite the difficulties of having just won the people's revolution, sent their finest sons and daughters to the Korean battlefield, aiding the DPRK people's struggle with their blood. General Secretary Jiang Zemin delivered a reply, stating that Sino-DPRK friendship has withstood severe historical tests and is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people of both countries. His visit to the DPRK was primarily to pay a visit to Kim Il Sung, exchange views on issues of mutual concern, and meet other DPRK leaders to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between China and the DPRK. General Secretary Jiang Zemin remembered that the Chinese side had informed the DPRK side that, considering the cold weather and Kim Il Sung's advanced age, it hoped to simplify the welcome ceremony and asked him not to participate in outdoor activities or organize a crowd welcome. His aide reported: "This is a direct order from Kim Il Sung. He said, 'Since you became General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, this is your first visit to the DPRK, and under these circumstances, it is great support for the Korean Party and people. To demonstrate the strength of Sino-DPRK friendship and unity, such a warm and grand welcome is necessary. The Party must issue a document to make it widely known.'" After hearing this, General Secretary Jiang Zemin nodded thoughtfully. P3-5