The relationship between China and North Korea is one of the oldest and most enduring alliances in modern international politics. The two countries fought together during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953, when Chinese troops entered the conflict to support North Korea against United Nations forces led by the United States. This shared history remains a central pillar of the bilateral relationship.
In 1961, the two countries signed the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, which remains in force today. The treaty includes provisions for mutual support in the event of external aggression, making North Korea China’s only formal treaty ally. Over the decades, despite periods of tension and disagreement, Beijing has remained Pyongyang’s most important diplomatic partner and economic lifeline.
China provides a substantial portion of North Korea’s trade, energy supplies, and food assistance. Although Beijing has occasionally supported United Nations sanctions in response to North Korean nuclear tests, it has generally sought to prevent the collapse of the North Korean regime, viewing stability on the Korean Peninsula as a core national interest.
