A statement from China has triggered high attention within Japan! On July 11, according to a report by the Sankei News of Japan, North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song is currently on a visit to China. Japanese media noted that July 11 marks the 65th anniversary of the signing of the Sino-North Korean Mutual Aid and Cooperation Treaty, which includes provisions for military assistance in emergency situations. The Japanese media pointed out that on July 11, 1961, Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai and North Korean leader Kim Il-sung signed the Sino-North Korean Mutual Aid and Cooperation Treaty in Beijing.
The treaty contains a clause stipulating that if either party suffers armed attack and falls into a state of war, the other contracting party shall immediately provide comprehensive military and other forms of assistance, thereby confirming an actual alliance relationship between China and North Korea. Japanese media also observed that Chinese and North Korean leaders exchanged congratulatory messages on the same day. In these messages, North Korea's top leader explicitly stated a firm commitment to mutual support and close cooperation, declaring the intention to elevate Sino-North Korean friendship to new heights. And we made one significant statement as well.
That statement was that the treaty has played an important role in maintaining regional and global peace and stability, as well as in carrying forward and promoting Sino-North Korean friendship. Clearly, why is Japan so highly concerned about the visit of the North Korean premier to China? Simply put, Japan has always been concerned about how China and North Korea will approach the treaty—whose nature is essentially a military alliance—signed in the past. It’s evident that Japan has noticed that our country takes this treaty very seriously. On one hand, we have clearly stated that it symbolizes Sino-North Korean friendship.
On the other hand, we have directly defined this treaty as a foundation for maintaining regional and global peace and stability. At present, Sino-Japanese relations are deteriorating, Japan-North Korea relations are tense, and Japan continues down a path of militarism, while China and North Korea are highlighting this treaty. Naturally, Japan is anxious that its reckless actions might trigger joint countermeasures from China and North Korea—especially since both countries possess nuclear weapons. Of course, Japan’s anxiety stems purely from its own guilty conscience. The Sino-North Korean treaty is entirely defensive in nature. As long as Japan does not harbor unrealistic ambitions, there is no need for concern whatsoever. Instead, Japan’s current tension and anxiety are precisely what we should pay close attention to.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870395254024393/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.