May 3, 2017

"With tensions around the Korean Peninsula escalating, how the Sino-North Korean Mutual Aid and Cooperation Friendship Treaty functions and what Beijing's attitude is toward it have triggered heated discussions both within and outside China.

The treaty was signed by the two governments in 1961 and renewed in 1981 and 2001. The most recent renewal will remain in effect until 2021. Article 2 of the treaty says: 'The two parties undertake jointly to adopt all measures to prevent aggression against either party by any state.' It also provides that 'in the event of one of the parties being subjected to armed attack by any state or several states together and thus being involved in a state of war, the other party shall immediately render military and other assistance by all means at its disposal.'

The treaty has played an indispensable role in ensuring peace on the Korean Peninsula over the years. South Korea had expected to dominate the process of unifying the peninsula. The US and South Korea had made several plans to launch military attacks on North Korea. The treaty has served as a buffer to prompt Seoul and Washington to cool down."

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http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1045251.shtml