The ties that bind China and North Korea – the past and the present of communism – are still intact and were evidently strengthened during Premier Wen Jiabao’s visit to North Korea in celebration of the 60th year of diplomatic relations. The North Korean leader, Kim Jong-il, gave the premier a red carpet welcome as the two enkindled the old flame.
It is an undisputable fact that China is a communist country. Actually, it was the premiere communist country of Asia during the leadership of Mao Zedong. The communist philosophy sparked life in this area and spread out to other nations – one of which was North Korea. Obviously, despite the fact that it is leaning towards capitalism, North Korea respects China for being the birthplace of Asian communism.
However, serious issues are indeed needed to be tackled, especially after North Korea’s nuclear test and withdrawal from the six-party talks. Having good relations with the country, China could be the only country that is capable of “straightening things out” with North Korea. The world expects Premier Wen to negotiate with Premier Kim Jong-il regarding denuclearisation. Reports said, however, that the North Korean leader has still not considered denuclearisation and even offered Premier Wen to join in a “bilateral and multilateral dialogue.”
On Sunday, China and North Korea renewed their friendship as the countries’
leaders signed a series of deals, mostly on economic policies, according to Xinhua News. It was not clear, however, if they had discussed matters regarding the most sensitive issues.
