EDITORIAL: A different take

The unexpected death of Kim Jong-il, leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, took the world by surprise.

As a close neighbor with friendly ties with the DPRK, China was shocked by the news and it has expressed its deep condolences to the DPRK and its people.

Kim had dedicated his life to the DPRK's revolution and construction.

As a close friend of the Chinese people, Kim pushed the friendship between China and the DPRK to a new level.

Our thoughts are with the people of the DPRK at this particularly difficult moment, and we wish them well.

Beijing and Pyongyang have enjoyed a long tradition of friendship, forged by generations of leaders. It is hoped our neighbor will continue its endeavor to build an economically stronger DPRK under a new leadership.

We believe China and the DPRK will continue to inject new vitality into their strategic and long-term relations in the light of the changing realities in the world.

Economic and trade cooperation between the two countries has shown a strong momentum in recent years and two economic zones are now being jointly developed. The two neighbors have also expanded their exchanges into such fields such as culture, education, sports and science and technology.

The Six-Party Talks, a Beijing-initiated mechanism dedicated to the denuclearization of the peninsula that groups China, the United States, DPRK, Republic of Korea, Japan and Russia, had been stagnating up until then, but it is the only means for solving the peninsula issue in peace.

A stable DPRK is a blessing to both its people and the region. Pyongyang's commitment to peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula is in its own interests and best serves its regional responsibilities.

- China Today, Beijing