Extensive attention has been given to a rare visit starting on Friday by top Chinese official Liu Yunshan to North Korea on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of its ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK). As a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Liu is the most senior Chinese official that has headed to North Korea since its leader Kim Jong-un came to power in December 2011. Amid intermittent tensions on the Korean Peninsula, China's active gesture carries much significance.
The relationship between China and North Korea has been somewhat chilly in recent years due to opposite stances on Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions. Despite being a tradition, high-level exchanges between the two sides have long been stalled, save for the brief trip to China last month by Choe Ryong-hae, secretary of the WPK Central Committee, to attend the September 3 military parade in Beijing.
By sending Liu to Pyongyang, China explicitly shows how much it values the traditional friendship with North Korea which was created and cultivated by older generations of leaders on both sides. It also displays China's responsible attitude and demeanor as a regional power.
The visit offers important opportunities for the Chinese side to make clear to Pyongyang its firm stance on denuclearization in the peninsula and to promote the resumption of the Six-Party Talks.
It also facilitates the exchanges on issues that concern both countries, marking a key step in mending fences of the bilateral relationship. As Kim said, Liu's visit will "play an important role in the development of bilateral ties."
This came after Pyongyang hinted at a possible satellite launch not long ago, which was widely speculated as a coverup for a ballistic missile test or even the fourth nuclear test.
In fact, there would be no major obstacles in developing Sino-North Korean relations if Pyongyang could relent in its attitude to developing nuclear weapons.
When meeting with Kim, Liu presented a signed letter from General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping, which reflects the hope and sincerity of the CPC Central Committee for improving the bilateral relationship.
Besides, Liu was the only foreign dignitary that stood beside Kim and linked hands to salute the audience at Saturday's mass military parade in Pyongyang to celebrate the WPK's 70th birthday. This suggests some positive signs in bilateral ties.
Moreover, when delivering a speech before the military parade started, Kim didn't mention developing nuclear weapons or launching satellites as he usually does.
It's fair to say that the two sides are negotiating over the nuclear issue and there may be big room for maneuver. Some active outcomes may result from Liu's trip.
Bettering the relationship between China and North Korea meets the demands of both sides.
After all, North Korea has suffered both economically and politically from soured relations with China, Pyongyang's biggest economic supporter and trading partner.
Better relations with North Korea also serve China's hopes to get along well with neighboring countries and implement the "One Belt, One Road" initiative.
Kim said North Korea-China friendship is the biggest diplomatic heritage inherited from his predecessors Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il when meeting with Liu. Kim's words show that Pyongyang now attaches much importance to its ties with Beijing.
The bilateral relationship has been at its lowest ebb and it's time to make some recovery. Despite doubts from the outside world, there is highly likely to be improvement in China-North Korea relations following Liu's trip.
The author is a professor with Liaoning Academy of Social Sciences. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn