‘As close as lips and teeth’: The highs and lows of China-North Korea ties
Summary
Chinese President Xi Jinping visited North Korea, where he was welcomed with a large ceremony by Kim Jong Un. Their visit highlights the long and sometimes difficult relationship between China and North Korea, which dates back to the 1940s and includes a military alliance during the Korean War.Key Facts
- Xi Jinping arrived in Pyongyang and was officially welcomed by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his wife.
- The relationship between China and North Korea is often called “as close as lips and teeth,” meaning very close allies.
- North Korea and China formed diplomatic ties in 1949, just after each country’s founding.
- China entered the Korean War (1950-1953) to support North Korea, helping prevent its defeat but causing many casualties.
- In 1961, China and North Korea signed a treaty promising mutual help if either is attacked.
- Despite the treaty, China has sometimes been cautious and has not always fully supported North Korea’s actions.
- Relations cooled during China’s Cultural Revolution and the time when China improved ties with South Korea in the 1990s.
- The visit is the first by Xi to North Korea since 2019 and shows both countries want to maintain their alliance.
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