Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have each sent congratulatory letters to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un marking the 78th anniversary of the founding of North Korea (the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, established on 9 September 1948), with both leaders vowing to strengthen strategic partnerships with Pyongyang. Xi referenced his visit to the North Korean capital in June as opening "a new chapter" in bilateral relations, while Putin pledged to "further consolidate" a comprehensive strategic partnership he said serves the interests of both nations and contributes to a "multi-polarized world order." The messages underscore the deepening alignment between the three countries at a time of heightened tensions with Western nations over Russia's war in Ukraine and North Korea's advancing weapons programmes.