North Korea ratchets up relationship with China

By Kim Se-jeong

Senior North Korean and Chinese military officials demonstrated Saturday strong military ties between the two communist allies, the state-owned Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

Ri Yong-ho, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party, welcomed the Chinese military delegation led by Gen. Guo Boxiong, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, in Pyongyang.

"The visit of China's high-ranking military delegates greatly encourages demonstrating of what are already friendly and cooperative ties between North Korea and China," Ri was quoted as saying by the KCNA.

"The ties, sealed in blood, have grown in the course of fighting against the United States, and now on the basis of bilateral efforts, it will only be strengthened," he said.

The Chinese delegation arrived on Saturday for a four-day trip.

The visit came only a few days after Xi Jinping, the son of a revolutionary hero in China, was appointed vice chairman of the Chinese Central Military Committee.

In response, Guo said, "Friendly bilateral relations stimulate the creation of a socialist community and play an important role in maintaining peace and stability in the region."

And “Through this visit, I grew certain that the bilateral ties in the armies also have a very optimistic outlook.”

The Chinese delegation, together with Kim Young-nam, president of the Presidium of the North Korea parliament, watched a performance of “Arirang” that featured dancing dragons and panda bears highlighting the North’s relationship with China.

For the North Korean regime, China is a lifeline and a diplomatic supporter.

China supported the North during the Korean War (1950-53), and is the biggest trade partner and aid donor to the poverty-stripped country.