Ambassador Jung Commemorates 74th Anniversary of Korean War Participation in Pyongyang

The Chinese ambassador to North Korea commemorated the 74th anniversary of the Korean War participation in Pyongyang. Amid signs of an 'unusual atmosphere' between North Korea and China, there are also speculations that China may have adjusted the 'level' of the commemoration.

According to the Chinese Embassy in North Korea on the 25th, Ambassador Wang Yajun paid tribute to the Chinese People's Volunteer Army who participated in the Korean War by laying flowers at the Sino-Korean Friendship Tower in Pyongyang, along with about 60 people including Chinese diplomats, representatives of Chinese companies and media, and representatives of overseas Chinese and students in North Korea.

In the context of strained North Korea-China relations, on July 27, North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un visited the Friendship Tower commemorating the Chinese troops who participated in the Korean War, marking the 71st anniversary of the Armistice Agreement (July 27).
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Ambassador Wang said, "This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between North Korea and China, making it a year of significant importance for our relationship," adding, "74 years ago, the Chinese People's Volunteer Army raised the righteous banner of 'defending peace and resisting aggression' and launched the 'Resist America, Aid Korea' operation." "We must not only remember the enormous sacrifices of the volunteer army's predecessors but also inherit the great spirit of courageously fighting without fear of sacrifice and jointly promote the socialist cause," he also said.

Chinese state media introduced the 74th anniversary commemoration relatively calmly on the same day. Socialist countries such as North Korea and China traditionally hold grand celebrations on milestone anniversaries (every 5 or 10 years). Chinese President Xi Jinping said at the 70th anniversary commemoration on October 23, 2020, "More than 197,000 heroic sons and daughters fought for the motherland, the nation, and peace," and "The names of the martyrs will shine forever."

Even considering that this year marks the 74th anniversary of China's participation, some speculate that China may have toned down the level of commemoration, citing the fact that North Korea and China have not held the 75th anniversary diplomatic relations event or the closing ceremony of the 'Year of North Korea-China Friendship' amid rumors of 'relationship abnormalities' between the two countries.