Overview

• China’s top envoy to Pyongyang, Wang Yajun, led a reception at the Chinese Embassy for the treaty’s 64th anniversary, restoring a higher level of observance after last year’s downgrade
• North Korea’s Rodong Sinmun hailed the treaty as an “important landmark in reinforcing strategic cooperation” and pledged to deepen bilateral ties
• In his speech, Wang affirmed that China would “firmly support North Korea’s efforts toward independent development” and insisted the treaty’s spirit “will forever shine”
• Senior Chinese diplomats and key North Korean officials attended the event, which South Korea’s Unification Ministry cited as a “subtle change” indicative of warming relations
• Analysts say the elevated ceremony underscores Beijing’s desire to offset Russia’s influence after last summer’s North Korea-Russia mutual defense pact