24 October 2020 12:00 am
SEOUL AFP Oct22, 2020 - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has paid tribute to the millions of Chinese troops who fought a US-led coalition to a standstill and saved his country from defeat in the Korean War, state media reported Thursday.
The 1950-53 conflict was the first and so far only time Chinese and US forces have engaged in large-scale direct combat, and with tensions running high between Beijing and Washington, China is making much of the 70th anniversary of its forces entering the fight.
China is North Korea’s longtime ally and economic benefactor, with Mao Zedong --whose eldest son Mao Anying was among those killed-- having described relations as “close as lips and teeth”.
Ties have fluctuated over the years due to Pyongyang’s growing nuclear ambitions, but with negotiations between North Korea and the US at a standstill, both sides have moved to strengthen their alliance.
Kim visited the cemetery of the Chinese People’s Volunteers “martyrs” to mark the anniversary,.