A delegation led by Liu Yunshan, a current member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, arrived in North Korea for the 70th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK). This official friendly visit will be a boost to and draw a lot of discussions about the bilateral relationship.

There have been quite a few debates about Sino-North Korean ties recently, and disagreements over certain issues, especially the nuclear problem, provide fodder for these debates. These disagreements might seem irreconcilable, but they are far from the whole picture of bilateral ties. Both sides share a lot of memories in fighting shoulder to shoulder in times of war. The blood, sweat and tears they shed together have forged a strong connection between both sides.

The Sino-North Korean friendship has encountered some waves and whirlpools, but both sides can generally make sure it is always on the right track.

The remnants of the Cold War, the major cause of complications in Northeast Asia, are still haunting the area. The North Korea nuclear issues have added more uncertainties.

Sino-North Korean friendship is one of the pillars that can guarantee the stability of the region. It needs to be encouraged and supported by other neighboring countries. Sino-North Korean friendship benefits both sides, as China is the biggest trading partner and aid provider to North Korea, and also a significant force to ensure its internal stability. As for China, North Korea's position is of strategic significance against the challenge from across the Pacific Ocean.

China and North Korea need each other, and opposing voices should not distract from this belief. China cannot and will not give up on North Korea. Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula cannot be dominated by one power, but needs cooperation to deal with it.

The Beijing-Pyongyang friendship  also sends a positive signal to Seoul, Washington and Tokyo. The benefit it brings actually outweighs the strategic gains they hope to get from a hostile China-North Korea relationship.

The Cold War legacy still lingers on the Korean Peninsula, but the broad environment has undergone tremendous transformation, a new condition that Sino-North Korea friendship needs to adapt to. They need to transfuse new momentum into the bilateral ties.

Mutual interests dominate these two neighboring countries no matter how the outside world tries to drive a wedge between them. Chinese society should understand the challenges North Korea confronts, meanwhile, North Korea should be clear that it can hardly overcome the dilemma all by itself.

Liu's visit brings new hope to the China-North Korea relationship. As Pyongyang celebrates the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the WPK, we hope this visit can further advance the friendship between the two countries.