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China seeks to strengthen military bond with N. Korea: reports
By Kim Hyun
SEOUL, Nov. 25 (Yonhap) -- China is seeking to advance its military cooperation with North Korea and hopes that their 60-year-old alliance will help secure regional peace, North Korean media said Wednesday.
State media carried remarks by visiting Chinese defense minister Liang Guanglie, made during a press conference in Pyongyang on Tuesday, emphasizing China's desire to strengthen the countries' alliance that was "sealed in blood" during the Korean War.
"I came to (North) Korea to consolidate and develop Sino-Korea friendship and further promote exchanges and cooperation between the militaries of the two countries," Liang, who arrived on Sunday, was quoted as saying by the Korean Central Broadcasting Station and other state media.
The allies' bilateral relationship showed signs of flagging after North Korea conducted its second nuclear test in May, with China joining punitive U.N. resolutions against the isolated state.
But Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao made a rare trip to Pyongyang in October, promising large-scale economic aid. During his trip, North Korean leader Kim Jong-il told Wen the North would conditionally return to six-nation talks on its nuclear program.
China fought on North Korea's side against South Korea and the U.S.-led allied forces during the 1950-53 Korean War. The allies mark 60 years of diplomatic relationship this year.
Liang, a Korean War veteran himself, visited the Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery on Tuesday after holding talks with Kim Yong-chun, minister of the People's Armed Forces and vice chairman of the National Defense Commission.
"During my stay here, I could feel the Korean people's deep emotional attachment of friendship toward the Chinese people," Liang said in Tuesday's press conference.
"We, with Korean compatriots, will make utmost efforts for the beautiful future of the two countries and the peace and security of the region and the world. The Sino-Korea friendship sealed in blood will last forever," Liang said.
Liang's visit to Pyongyang is the first by a Chinese defense minister since 2006. North Korea is the first leg of his three-nation tour that continues in Japan and Thailand until Dec. 5.
hkim@yna.co.kr
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