Military friendship took center stage during a recent celebration in Pyongyang as North Korea and China reaffirmed their decades-long alliance. The event, held on July 30 at the Chinese Embassy, marked the 98th anniversary of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and showcased improving ties between the two socialist allies.
Chinese Ambassador Wang Yajun hosted the banquet, which brought together high-ranking North Korean military and political leaders. These included Vice Defense Minister Kim Kang-il, Vice Foreign Minister Pak Myong-ho, and several senior officials from the Workers’ Party. Foreign diplomats and military attachés also attended.
During the event, participants raised glasses in a symbolic toast to the military friendship and unity of both nations. The gathering follows a series of recent moves that point to warmer diplomatic relations after a cool period. North Korea had been more closely aligned with Russia in the past few years, prompting concerns about its connection to Beijing.
Pak Yong-il, deputy director of the Korean People’s Army’s General Political Bureau, delivered a keynote speech. He recalled how the Chinese and North Korean armies fought side by side in historic battles. Pak reaffirmed that their joint sacrifices remain a cornerstone of the ongoing military friendship. He hoped both sides would deepen ties under Kim Jong Un and Xi Jinping’s shared leadership vision.
Earlier this month, Pyongyang and Beijing exchanged visits to commemorate the 64th anniversary of their 1961 mutual defense treaty. High-level North Korean officials attended the embassy-hosted banquet, a sign of increasing engagement. The Rodong Sinmun newspaper highlighted this development, calling it a reaffirmation of the DPRK-China socialist alliance.
Furthermore, North Korea’s tourism website recently published new train schedules linking Pyongyang with Beijing, Dandong, and Moscow. These updates suggest the regime is preparing to reopen transport routes that had remained closed since early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In conclusion, this renewed military friendship reflects shifting diplomatic currents. North Korea is once again leaning into its historical alliance with China, signaling a recalibrated foreign policy and closer coordination between their militaries.
