North Korea and China highlighted their military cooperation and traditional friendship during a reception in Pyongyang marking the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese military. The event, attended by senior officials from both countries, reaffirmed the close ties between the two nations amid recent high-level exchanges.
According to North Korea's Rodong Sinmun and the Chinese embassy in Pyongyang, the reception took place on July 29 and was attended by approximately 150 guests, including Wang Yajun, the Chinese ambassador to North Korea, and officials from both the North Korean government and military, as well as the diplomatic corps in Pyongyang.
Notable attendees from North Korea included Defense Minister No Kwang-chol, Deputy Director of the International Department of the Workers' Party Moon Sung-hyuk, Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Myong-soo, and Deputy Director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People's Army Park Yong-il. The presence of the Defense Minister, rather than a deputy, at this year's event was seen as a reflection of the strengthened North Korea-China relationship.
During the event, messages were exchanged emphasizing the expansion of military cooperation and the continuation of their traditional friendship.
Wang Yajun stated, "In the new era and under the current circumstances, the armed forces of both countries should strengthen communication and closely cooperate, inheriting and developing the traditional friendship forged in blood under the strategic guidance of our top leaders. We must jointly promote regional peace, stability, development, and prosperity."
Chinese Defense Attaché Wang Yisheng added, "We will faithfully implement the achievements of China-North Korea diplomatic relations and, in accordance with the wishes of our top leaders, expand military exchanges to continue our traditional friendship. We will play a greater role in the development of China-North Korea relations and in safeguarding regional peace and stability."
According to the Chinese embassy in Pyongyang, Defense Minister No Kwang-chol remarked, "The armed forces of China and North Korea have built a strong bond of combat friendship through long-term struggles and are currently jointly safeguarding regional peace, security, and international justice. We hope to contribute to further developing the traditional friendly cooperative relationship between our two countries in accordance with the important agreements of our top leaders."
China commemorates the founding day of its People's Liberation Army on August 1, marking the Nanchang Uprising of 1927. North Korea has maintained its friendly relations with China by issuing congratulatory statements or attending events at the Chinese embassy in Pyongyang each year on this occasion. This year's reception in Pyongyang marks the second consecutive year it has been held.
On the same day, Wang Yajun visited the Martyrs' Cemetery of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army in the Hyongjesan District of Pyongyang. North Korean officials, including Yun Sung-il, Director of the North Korean Foreign Ministry's Department of Asian Affairs, and Kim Sun-il, Deputy Director of the Urban Management Department of the Pyongyang City People's Committee, accompanied him. Wang expressed gratitude for North Korea's management of the cemetery and noted, "73 years ago, the people of China and North Korea fought side by side, making tremendous sacrifices and solidifying the combat friendship forged in the process of safeguarding our common interests."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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