North Korea hails historic treaty in bid to mend ties with China

A reception marking the anniversary of a treaty between the two countries was held in Pyongyang on July 9 2025 in this photo released by the Norths official Korean Central News Agency — Participants attend an event in Pyongyang on July 9, 2025, celebrating the anniversary of a treaty between North Korea and China, in this photo released by the North's official Korean Central News Agency two days later.

SEOUL, July 11 (AJP) - North Korea will continue to strengthen its ties with China, the state-run Rodong Sinmun reported on Friday, as two countries marked the anniversary of a treaty signed decades ago.

Coinciding with the 64th anniversary of the treaty signed on July 11, 1961, by North Korean regime founder Kim Il-sung and then-Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai, the daily hailed the treaty for laying the groundwork to strengthen "strategic cooperation" between Pyongyang and Beijing and to protect them from "hostile forces' reckless military adventurism," which it claimed "threatens global peace and security."

Like North Korea's recent military pact with Russia signed during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Pyongyang in June last year, the treaty also includes a similar clause pledging both countries to provide each other with immediate military assistance in the event of an armed attack.

Friday's news coverage fuels speculation that Pyongyang may be attempting to mend ties with its traditional ally after a recent rift, especially given that state media from both sides remained silent about the anniversary last year.

Kim Hee-su khs@ajunews.com