China and North Korea mark 75 years of diplomatic relations, vow to strengthen cooperation

Asia-Pacific, News October 7, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

3 minute read

Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un exchanged messages of cooperation on October 6, 2024, commemorating 75 years of diplomatic ties between the two neighboring nations.

Both leaders underscored their commitment to strengthening bilateral relationships, reaffirming the historic partnership that has often shaped East Asia’s geopolitical landscape.

Xi and Kim congratulated each other on the milestone, expressing their intentions to deepen cooperation on various fronts. In his message, Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic ties between China and North Korea.

According to China’s state-owned news agency, Xinhua News, Xi said that “China is willing to work with the North Korean side, to strengthen strategic communication and coordination, deepen friendly exchanges and cooperation, and write a new chapter in the traditional bilateral friendship.”

Xi further acknowledged the long-standing nature of the relationship, highlighting how China and North Korea have “worked closely to promote regional peace and stability and uphold international fairness and justice.” This statement reflects the historical alliance between the two nations, which dates back to the Korean War in the early 1950s when China provided military support to North Korea against South Korean and UN forces.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Chinese President Xi Jinping inspect honor guards, as he paid an unofficial visit to Beijing, China, in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang March 28, 2018. KCNA/via Reuters — *^{North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Chinese President Xi Jinping inspect honor guards, as Kim visited Beijing, China. (Image Credit: KCNA)}*

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un echoed Xi’s sentiments, pledging to build on the friendly relations between Pyongyang and Beijing. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim affirmed that North Korea “will steadily strive to consolidate and develop the friendly and cooperative relations between (North Korea) and China.” His message aligns with North Korea’s historical reliance on China as a key ally, especially in the face of international sanctions and growing isolation from the West.

The two nations’ diplomatic history is marked by collaboration during several conflicts. In the 1950-1953 Korean War, China intervened militarily on North Korea’s behalf, preventing a total collapse of the regime under Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong Un’s grandfather. Over the decades, China has continued to shield North Korea from harsher international repercussions, particularly in the UN Security Council, where China holds veto power.

However, recent geopolitical shifts have introduced new dynamics into this relationship. North Korea’s growing closeness with Russia has raised eyebrows in Beijing. In the past year, Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin have exchanged several visits and strengthened military and economic cooperation, leading to speculations that Pyongyang may be diversifying its strategic alliances.

In September 2024, Kim visited Russia to meet Putin, further cementing ties between the two countries. Their discussions reportedly focused on arms deals and increased cooperation in defiance of international sanctions, a development that has caused concern for China.

While Beijing has traditionally been North Korea’s most significant ally, this warming of relations between Pyongyang and Moscow could complicate the regional balance of power. Reports suggest that China is wary of Russia’s growing influence over North Korea, particularly in military matters, where Moscow has reportedly provided technology and expertise that could aid Pyongyang’s missile programs.

Chinese President Xi Jinping with DPRK leader Kim Jong Un — *^{Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with DPRK leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang, DPRK, on June 20, 2019. (Image Credit: Xinhua/via CGTN)}*

Amid this shifting geopolitical context, the message from Xi Jinping reaffirms China’s interest in maintaining its influence over North Korea. For China, stability in its neighboring country is crucial, as instability in North Korea could lead to a potential humanitarian crisis at its borders or even a conflict that could draw in multiple regional powers.