China and North Korea have indeed formed a military alliance in history, but in modern times, due to various internal and external factors, the relationship between the two countries has undergone some changes. Nonetheless, the two countries' obligations of mutual military assistance and common strategic goals have made the relationship between China and North Korea still have an alliance to some extent.
Historical Context
The relationship between China and North Korea can be traced back to the period of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, which was the cornerstone of friendly relations between China and North Korea. At that time, both China and Korea were threatened by Japanese aggression, and in order to jointly defend themselves against foreign invasion, the two countries established close political relations. During this period, China's support for North Korea included providing military assistance and political support, laying a solid foundation for North Korea's independence and self-determination.
The formation of military alliances
After the outbreak of the Korean War, China quickly intervened to support North Korea in its resistance to the invasion of the United States and its allies. This military intervention is not only to defend the DPRK, but also to safeguard China's own *** China and the DPRK signed the "Sino-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance", which formally established the military alliance between the two countries. The cooperation during this period laid the foundation for the special nature of the relations between China and the DPRK and became a symbol of friendly exchanges between the two countries.
Times have changed
However, despite the military mutual assistance obligations between China and North Korea, the political relationship between China and North Korea has undergone some changes as the times have evolved. China has gradually emerged as a global power, pursuing a more open and pluralistic foreign policy. North Korea, on the other hand, is more concerned about its own nuclear program and domestic stability. As a result, there is a clear difference in the foreign policy of China and North Korea.
Current military relations
Nevertheless, legally speaking, the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between China and North Korea is still in force, which means that China and North Korea still have a military obligation of mutual assistance. The treaty still symbolizes the special relationship between China and North Korea, a legal framework that remains in place even when there are political differences. Strategically speaking, China and the DPRK still share common interests and goals, that is, to maintain peace and stability on the peninsula, prevent external interference and provocations, and promote the process of denuclearization and reunification of the peninsula. These common strategic objectives have made the relationship between China and North Korea still somewhat of an alliance.
Conclusion
Although China and the DPRK have established military alliances in history, in today's world, the relationship between the two countries has undergone significant changes due to the influence of various factors. However, according to the "Sino-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance", the two countries still have the obligation of mutual assistance militarily, and at the same time, they also have many things in common in terms of strategic goals, which makes the Sino-DPRK relations still maintain the characteristics of an alliance to a certain extent.