Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji met with Paek Nam Sun, minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), in Beijing on March 20 morning. Zhu and Paek are expected to exchange views on bilateral ties and issues of common concern.

Zhu noted that the long-standing friendship between China and the DPRK was initiated and nurtured by the older generation of leaders from both countries. He called the friendship a "common valuable asset."

DPRK announced that it supports China's stand as stated in its White Paper on the Taiwan issue.

DPRK officials added that no matter what changes occur internationally, the DPRK-China friendship will never waver.

Paek is here as guest of Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan. Tang and Paek held talks last Saturday.