China and the DPRK share a long border as well as a long history of friendship, a friendship that expresses itself through cultural exchanges. President Xi Jinping's current two-day visit to the DPRK is the first to the country by a top Chinese leader in 14 years. Ahead of the visit, Xi called for long-term, healthy and sound development that will benefit both countries. He also called for further cooperation in areas like education, culture, sports and tourism - a promising sign for peoples in both countries.

Chinese collector Sun Yong has dedicated 12 years to working with top artists from around the DPRK. He has never stopped looking for the finest pieces. Over 90 percent of his collection comes from the neighboring country, and he often invites DPRK painters to visit the northeast China city of Dandong for exchanges.

"The traditional friendship with China has always been a popular subject of their art pieces, since most of the DPRK's meritorious artists underwent hardships during the Korean war, and you can feel the emotions in their works", said Sun Yong, a collector based in Dandong.

After years of sanctions on the DPRK, Dandong is no longer a bustling cross-border trade hub it used to be. However, cultural and people-to-people exchanges remain vibrant. Sun hopes that the visit by President Xi can further facilitate cross-border cultural exchanges.

“I think culture remains one of the few options we have to communicate and work with our neighbor. In recent years, cultural activities with the DPRK have become more dynamic. Together we should keep up this good work", Sun added during an interview with CGTN.

Lv Chao, an expert on Korean studies from Liaoning Academy of Social Sciences told CGTN: "China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council must fulfill its duty in imposing sanctions on the DPRK. But, cross-border activities with the DPRK which are not banned by the UN can be further promoted, and serve as the main channel for boosting bilateral cooperation."

China's relations with the DPRK were once described by China's late Chairman Mao Zedong as closely related and mutually dependent "as lips and teeth." Now, after 70 years of diplomatic ties, both countries are willing to step up their friendly ties.