China-DPRK relations: retrospectives and perspectives

The author’s article provides a comprehensive analysis of the political aspects of the 75-year-long relationship between China and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), with a particular focus on the leadership of Kim Jong-un. The relationship between China and North Korea has experienced both positive and negative developments, but following the “Olympic thaw” in 2018, it remains at a relatively high level. Beijing and Pyongyang continue to discuss the historical friendship formed through the efforts of Chinese volunteers during the Korean War (1950–1953), regardless of the current global political climate. Both countries are committed to building socialism, and their respective ruling parties are working together to create a bright future. The two parties regularly exchange friendly messages and offer each other political and diplomatic support. To date, relations between China and North Korea can be described as a strategic alliance united by a shared threat and influenced by trends of global instability and increased tension between China and Western countries. Although there are challenges in bilateral relations, these are less significant than a response to external pressure. Given the trend of increasing tension between China and the United States, this will continue to be a significant factor in regional security. The signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement between Russia and the subsequent rapprochement between Moscow and Pyongyang has caused some concern in China. However, this concern is more prevalent in society and among experts. There are no signs of official dissatisfaction or measures to address this issue. In the future, the alliance between China and North Korea is likely to continue, as international developments will keep the two countries “in the same camp.” Furthermore, it is highly probable that at some point in the future, China will need to take a more significant step towards greater cooperation with its allies.