North Korea and China will maintain “invincible” friendly relations for a “common cause,” Pyongyang’s official newspaper said on the 71st anniversary of Beijing’s participation in the 1950-52 Korean War.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the North’s ruling Workers’ Party of Korea, has vowed to maintain the ties between the two socialist countries forged during the three-year war.
“The invincible friendship (between the North and China) established by blood will be firmly handed down on the road toward a common cause,” it said.
During the conflict that ended in an armistice on July 27, 1953, China’s People’s Volunteer Army (PVA) fought alongside the North against South Korea and US-led UN troops.
“The everlasting accomplishments and heroic deeds of the PVA martyrs, who unsparingly gave up their youth and lives, will continue to shine along with the history of friendship between North Korea and China,” the statement continued.
North Korea has been attempting to improve relations with its traditional ally in the midst of a stalemate in nuclear talks with the US.
Chinese President Xi Jinping recently reaffirmed efforts to strengthen bilateral relations with North Korea, saying he is willing to take them to a “new stage.”
