High‑Level Chinese and North Korean Officials Attend PLA 99th‑Year Banquet

North Korean officials, led by Defence Minister No Kwang‑chol, joined Chinese senior diplomats for a grand banquet marking the 99th anniversary of the PLA at the Chinese embassy in Pyongyang. According to state reports, the ceremony emphasized the long‑standing camaraderie forged during wartime and the intention to deepen traditional bonds. The presence of party, defence and foreign affairs leaders signaled a push for sustained high‑level dialogue, echoing promises made at the June summit between Kim Jong‑un and President Xi. This gathering is the second such joint celebration since the tradition was restored in 2025, after a break that began in 2019.