Together into a new era: China-DPRK ties gain fresh momentum

Editor's note: Wang Junsheng, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is the director of the Department of China's Regional Strategy, National Institute of International Strategy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

This year marks the 65th anniversary of the China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance. At the invitation of Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, is on a state visit to the DPRK from Monday to Tuesday.

As Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said, at a regular press conference on June 5, the visit will be an opportunity for both countries to work together to further advance bilateral ties in keeping with the times, promote the welfare of the two peoples and contribute more to peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region and beyond.

China-DPRK cooperation strengthening regional stability

The world today is undergoing profound transformations and readjustments, bringing significant changes to the geopolitical landscape of Northeast Asia. As close neighbors and major stakeholders in the region, China and the DPRK play important roles in shaping its future. Strengthening bilateral cooperationnot only helps maintain the sound development of their relations, but also contributes to lasting peace and security across Northeast Asia.

At this pivotal moment when regional dynamics are becoming increasingly complex, closer Beijing-Pyongyang coordination carries irreplaceable strategic significance. It serves the interests of both countries while providing a positive impetus for regional tranquility, stability and shared development.

That resonates with the perspective proposed by Xi in his signed article published in the official newspaper of the DPRK on June 8, ahead of his state visit to the country. "China and the DPRK are friendly socialist neighbors who stand by each other and share a common future. No matter how times change or how the international landscape evolves, the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK remains unbreakable and enduring, constantly demonstrating vigorous vitality."

An enduring friendship built through shared history

The traditional friendship between China and the DPRK was forged by the elder generations of leaders of the two parties and countries. Tempered through revolutionary struggles and strengthened during the course of socialist development, it has provided the historical foundation for bilateral ties to evolve and advance in step with the changing times.

The establishment of diplomatic relations in 1949 opened a new chapter in the China-DPRK relationship. In 1961, the two countries made the far-sighted decision to sign the China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance. This landmark document laid the political and legal groundwork for long-term friendly exchanges and reflected the shared aspirations of both sides to preserve their traditional bond and safeguard regional peace. From resisting external aggression and pursuing national independence to advancing socialist revolution and development side by side, the friendship between the two has stood the test of time.

Xi has repeatedly emphasized that Beijing and Pyongyang are friendly socialist neighbors that support one another through challenges and opportunities alike. Maintaining, consolidating and advancing bilateral ties has always been an unwavering policy of the CPC and the Chinese government. Kim has likewise expressed his willingness to work with China to further deepen the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries, with socialism serving as its common foundation.

In recent years, Xi and Kim have maintained close communication through meetings, correspondence and other channels, demonstrating the strong ties between the top leaders and providing strategic guidance for the continued development of bilateral relations. From their historic first summit in March 2018, which produced a four-point consensus, to the DPRK leader's three visits to China within a span of just over 100 days, the two sides jointly opened a new chapter in high-level diplomatic engagement.

Last September, Kim attended commemorations for the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. During talks in Beijing, the two leaders reached important common understandings on major strategic and long-term issues concerning bilateral relations, helping to elevate ties to a new stage and usher in a new era of friendly exchanges.

Under the strategic guidance of Xi and Kim, the traditional friendship and practical collaboration between the two countries have maintained a sound and steady momentum, delivering tangible benefits to both nations and their peoples.

Against the backdrop of the 65th anniversary of the signing of the China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, Xi's state visit to the DPRK – the first in seven years – takes on added importance, which is poised to provide fresh momentum for bilateral engagement and broaden the horizons of future collaboration.

New momentum for China-DPRK relations

In recent years, practical exchanges between Beijing and Pyongyang have continued to expand across a wide range of sectors, injecting fresh vitality into the traditional friendship between the two countries. For example, the two sides exchange students on government scholarships on an annual basis. In October 2025, as the DPRK celebrated the 80th anniversary of the founding of the WPK, a troupe from the Shanghai Dance Theater visited the country to perform the acclaimed dance drama "The Eternal Wave," which received an enthusiastic response from local audiences.

Bilateral trade reached more than $2.73 billion in 2025, returning to its pre-pandemic levels. In the first quarter of this year, trade volume grew by 14.3% year on year, reflecting a steady upward trajectory. In March, international passenger train services and direct flights resumed after a six-year suspension. With road, rail and air links now fully restored, economic exchanges and people-to-people interactions between the two countries are entering a new stage of development. The movement of travelers, goods and services is expected to expand substantially in the years ahead.

This year marks the start of China's 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), while the Ninth Congress of the WPK has outlined the DPRK's economic and social development goals for the next five years. These new policy frameworks provide a favorable foundation for both sides to deepen practical engagement, explore new areas of collaboration and achieve greater mutual benefit in a rapidly evolving environment.

(Zhao Haixin, a PhD candidate at the School of Global and Regional Studies under the University of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, also contributed to this article.)

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