The Enemy Looks More Desperate

Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —

President China Xi Jinping and the North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un promised to strengthen relations between the two countries. They expressed this commitment when commemorating the 60th anniversary of China-North Korea friendship.

The two countries signed a friendship agreement on July 11, 1961.

“Despite the complicated international situation in recent years, the militant trust and friendship between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and China is getting stronger by the day,” Kim wrote in his message to Xi, Sunday (11/7). AFP.

Kim then highlighted the pact’s role in ensuring peace and stability in Asia and the rest of the world. Because, he said, currently the enemy’s strength looks increasingly desperate.

Meanwhile, Xi plans to lead the two countries to “greater happiness.”

“By continuing to lead the relationship of friendship and cooperation between the two countries to a new level,” Xi said, as quoted KCNA.

The plan to rebuild relations between the two countries is considered contrary to the situation several years ago. At that time, relations were deteriorating, and Kim had not seen Xi since succeeding his father in December 2011.

Kim’s first visit to China took place in March 2018. So far, the two leaders have met five times.

The exchange of messages is a sign of the establishment of new relations between the two neighboring countries.

According to analysts, improving relations between North Korea and China, as well as a show off to the United States amid stalled nuclear talks between Pyongyang and Washington. Meanwhile, the US-Beijing itself is experiencing tension, which also worsens relations.

“This is a marriage of convenience,” said Park Won-gon, professor of North Korean Studies at Ewha Womans University.

Relations between the two allies have been at odds since the end of the Korean War.

“(they) will never really trust each other”.

However, they still need each other when it comes to dealing with Washington.

“And the closer they are, the harder it is to denuclearize North Korea.”

China is North Korea’s longtime ally and economic route. Their relationship was put to the test during the Korean War, when Mao Zedong stopped sending millions of “volunteers” to fight the US-led UN forces.

(isa/dea)

[Gambas:Video CNN]

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