Chinese President Xi Jinping Meets North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song in Beijing
Chinese President Xi Jinping has met with North Korea’s premier, Pak Thae-song, in Beijing ahead of an event marking the 65th anniversary of the signing of a friendship treaty between the two nations.
According to news footage aired by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, Premier Pak Thae-song arrived in Beijing earlier in the day for a three-day visit to attend the event commemorating the treaty anniversary at the invitation of China’s Communist Party.
The Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance was signed on July 11, 1961, by late North Korea founder and former leader Kim Il-sung and then Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai.
Historic Significance of the Friendship Treaty
The signing of the treaty marked a significant milestone in the relationship between North Korea and China, solidifying their friendship and cooperation in various sectors, including economy, culture, and defense.
The treaty has been a cornerstone of the two countries’ relationship, and its anniversary is celebrated with grand events, high-level official visits, and exchanges of congratulatory messages.
North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, and Chinese President Xi Jinping held summit talks in Pyongyang last month, vowing to strengthen bilateral ties through expanded exchanges across multiple sectors and more frequent high-level visits.
Xi stressed the importance of marking the anniversary, fueling speculation that the two countries would hold a large-scale event.
Increased Diplomatic Efforts Between North Korea and China
The meeting between Xi Jinping and Pak Thae-song comes at a time when diplomatic efforts between North Korea and China have intensified.
According to South Korea’s unification ministry, this marks the first time in seven years that a North Korean government delegation has been dispatched to Beijing in celebration of the treaty’s anniversary.
The ministry also noted that North Korea has elevated the rank of its chief delegate to premier this year from vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly back in 2019.
This development suggests a significant shift in the relationship between North Korea and China, with both countries seeking to strengthen their ties and cooperation in various sectors.
As the world watches this development closely, one thing is clear: the friendship treaty between North Korea and China remains a cornerstone of their relationship, and its anniversary will continue to be celebrated with grand events and diplomatic efforts.
