In addition to the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, October also served as the 70th anniversary of Sino-DPRK diplomatic ties, which formally began on October 6, 1949.

Given the pomp and circumstance of China’s October 1 celebrations, the preceding 18 months of strong China-North Korea relations, and the seemingly growing gap between the U.S. and North Korea, October seemed a fitting time for a major development in the Sino-DPRK saga.

Chinese media highlighted the 70th anniversary of Sino-DPRK relations on October 6, noting the congratulatory messages exchanged by Kim Jong Un