Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Photo: VCG

Despite the transformation in the international and regional landscape, the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government have never changed the importance they attach and their commitment to the traditional friendship and cooperative relationship between China and North Korea, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday.

Lin made the remarks when commenting on a report that mentioned the Chinese ambassador was not spotted at the commemoration for the 71st anniversary of the armistice of the Korean War. Some say this is yet another sign that the relationship between China and North Korea is experiencing issues and that China and Russia are in a contest over relations with North Korea.

This year marks the 71st anniversary of the armistice of the Korean War. Seventy-one years ago, the Chinese People’s Volunteers fought alongside the Korean people and troops and together achieved a resounding victory in the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea and the Fatherland Liberation War. In that process, China and North Korea forged with blood an unbreakable friendship, Lin said.

Lin pointed out that certain countries and media outlets have been speculating and asserting that there have been issues with China-North Korea relations or there is a China-Russia contest over relations with North Korea. These are unsubstantiated, ill-motivated claims. 

Lin stressed that both North Korea and Russia are China’s friendly neighbors. China is happy to see North Korea and Russia grow their ties and play a constructive role for the peace and stability of this region.   

Global Times