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China's sole formal alliance and defense treaty with another nation is with North Korea, established in 1961.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Sino-North Korean Mutual Aid and Cooperation Friendship Treaty, signed in 1961, remains China's only defense treaty with another country and is considered its only formal alliance.
China and North Korea established diplomatic relations on October 6, 1949, shortly after the People's Republic of China's founding.
Answer: True
Explanation: Formal diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea were established on October 6, 1949, just five days subsequent to the PRC's proclamation.
During the Chinese Civil War, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) provided crucial support to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), including sheltering wounded soldiers.
Answer: True
Explanation: The DPRK offered significant assistance to the CCP during the Chinese Civil War, notably by providing refuge for wounded soldiers and facilitating the delivery of essential supplies, thereby fostering early cooperative ties.
Joseph Stalin assured Kim Il-Sung that he would provide direct Soviet military intervention if North Korea invaded South Korea.
Answer: False
Explanation: Joseph Stalin indicated to Kim Il-Sung that direct Soviet military intervention would not be forthcoming should North Korea initiate an invasion of South Korea, instead directing Kim to seek necessary assistance from Mao Zedong.
Mao Zedong committed Chinese forces to the Korean War primarily out of concern that a United States victory would embolden it to threaten China's border.
Answer: True
Explanation: Mao Zedong's decision to deploy Chinese forces into the Korean War was largely motivated by the strategic apprehension that a successful US intervention in Korea could precipitate a direct threat to China's northeastern frontier.
When the Korean War began, the People's Republic of China (PRC) was a well-established nation with its military primarily stationed along its northern borders.
Answer: False
Explanation: At the commencement of the Korean War, the PRC was a nascent state, established only one year prior, with its military forces predominantly deployed facing Taiwan rather than along its northern frontier.
China's intervention in the Korean War involved sending the People's Liberation Army (PLA) directly, not a separate volunteer force.
Answer: False
Explanation: China's military engagement in the Korean War was conducted through the deployment of the Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV), not the direct intervention of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
Following the Korean War Armistice, China provided substantial economic aid to North Korea for its reconstruction.
Answer: True
Explanation: Subsequent to the Korean War Armistice in 1953, China, alongside other socialist bloc nations, furnished considerable economic assistance to North Korea, which was instrumental in the nation's post-war reconstruction efforts.
The 1961 Sino-North Korean treaty obligates China to provide immediate military assistance if North Korea faces an armed attack.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Sino-North Korean Mutual Aid and Cooperation Friendship Treaty, concluded in 1961, stipulates that China shall render immediate military and other assistance should North Korea confront an external armed assault.
The 1961 Sino-North Korean treaty has been allowed to expire and is no longer in effect.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 1961 Sino-North Korean Mutual Aid and Cooperation Friendship Treaty has been subject to renewals and remains in effect, continuing to underpin the alliance between the two nations.
What treaty underpins the 'special relationship' between China and North Korea, obligating mutual defense?
Answer: The Sino-North Korean Mutual Aid and Cooperation Friendship Treaty signed in 1961.
Explanation: The 'special relationship' between China and North Korea is primarily underpinned by the Sino-North Korean Mutual Aid and Cooperation Friendship Treaty, executed in 1961, which mandates mutual defense obligations.
When did China and North Korea establish formal diplomatic relations, and what was China's immediate action to support North Korea in the ensuing conflict?
Answer: Established relations on October 6, 1949; sent the People's Volunteer Army to aid North Korea in the Korean War.
Explanation: Formal diplomatic relations between China and North Korea were established on October 6, 1949. Subsequently, China deployed the People's Volunteer Army to support North Korea during the Korean War.
What crucial support did the DPRK provide to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) during the Chinese Civil War?
Answer: Sheltering wounded soldiers and delivering vital supplies.
Explanation: During the Chinese Civil War, the DPRK provided significant support to the CCP, including the provision of shelter for wounded soldiers and the delivery of essential supplies.
According to Joseph Stalin's stance, who should Kim Il-Sung seek help from if North Korea invaded South Korea and faced repercussions?
Answer: Mao Zedong and China.
Explanation: Joseph Stalin advised Kim Il-Sung that if North Korea initiated an invasion of South Korea and encountered adverse consequences, he should seek all necessary assistance from Mao Zedong and China.
Which of the following was a key strategic consideration for Mao Zedong in committing Chinese forces to the Korean War?
Answer: Fear that a United States victory in Korea would embolden it to threaten China's border.
Explanation: A primary strategic consideration for Mao Zedong in committing Chinese forces to the Korean War was the apprehension that a United States victory could embolden it to pose a direct threat to China's territorial integrity.
What was the geopolitical situation of the People's Republic of China (PRC) at the start of the Korean War?
Answer: A newly established nation (one year old) with forces primarily facing Taiwan.
Explanation: At the inception of the Korean War, the PRC was a nation only one year old, with its military apparatus largely oriented towards the potential conflict across the Taiwan Strait.
How did China refer to the forces it sent to fight alongside North Korea during the Korean War?
Answer: The Chinese People's Volunteers.
Explanation: The Chinese forces deployed to support North Korea during the Korean War were officially designated as the Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV).
What significant economic assistance did China provide to North Korea after the Korean War Armistice?
Answer: Substantial economic aid for reconstruction.
Explanation: Following the Korean War Armistice, China provided substantial economic aid to North Korea, which was crucial for the nation's reconstruction and recovery efforts.
China's most significant military involvement with North Korea was during the Korean War, deploying the People's Volunteer Army.
Answer: True
Explanation: The most substantial military engagement between China and North Korea occurred during the Korean War, when China deployed over a million soldiers of the People's Volunteer Army to support the North Korean cause.
Mao Zedong committed Chinese forces to the Korean War primarily out of concern that a United States victory would embolden it to threaten China's border.
Answer: True
Explanation: Mao Zedong's decision to deploy Chinese forces into the Korean War was largely motivated by the strategic apprehension that a successful US intervention in Korea could precipitate a direct threat to China's northeastern frontier.
The August Faction Incident in 1956, involving an attempt to oust Kim Il Sung with Chinese support, is a historical reason for North Korea's apprehension regarding Chinese interference.
Answer: True
Explanation: The August Faction Incident of 1956, wherein elements within the Workers' Party of Korea, allegedly supported by external powers, attempted to depose Kim Il Sung, serves as a historical precedent contributing to North Korea's wariness of Chinese political interference.
The Sino-Soviet split in the 1960s led to a cooling of relations between China and North Korea as North Korea sided with the Soviets.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Sino-Soviet split paradoxically led to a warming of relations between China and North Korea, as Pyongyang found itself ideologically more aligned with Beijing than with Moscow during this period.
During the Cultural Revolution, relations between China and North Korea were harmonious, with mutual praise between leaders.
Answer: False
Explanation: Relations between China and North Korea experienced significant strain during the Cultural Revolution, marked by mutual criticism and diplomatic incidents, rather than harmony.
After China's first nuclear test in 1964, it readily agreed to assist North Korea's nuclear program.
Answer: False
Explanation: Following China's successful detonation of its first nuclear device in 1964, North Korea sought assistance for its own nuclear program, a request that China ultimately rebuffed.
In the 1970s, China shifted its stance on Korean reunification, supporting North Korea's unification program and advocating for the disbandment of the UN Commission for the Unification of Korea.
Answer: True
Explanation: During the 1970s, China's diplomatic posture evolved to support North Korea's initiatives for peaceful unification and to advocate for the dissolution of the UN Commission for the Unification of Korea.
Deng Xiaoping's economic reforms in the 1980s were welcomed by North Korea as a positive development for communist solidarity.
Answer: False
Explanation: Deng Xiaoping's 'Open Door Policy' and market-oriented reforms in the 1980s generated insecurity in North Korea, which viewed these changes as a deviation from communist principles, thereby diminishing bilateral trade.
During his 1975 visit, Kim Il Sung sought Chinese support for a new war against South Korea, but Mao Zedong refused.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1975, Kim Il Sung reportedly requested Chinese backing for renewed military action against South Korea; however, Mao Zedong declined to engage in such discussions, potentially influencing North Korea's subsequent pursuit of independent strategic options.
Military skirmishes occurred along the Sino-North Korean border in the late 1960s, fueled partly by Cultural Revolution tensions.
Answer: True
Explanation: Between March 1968 and March 1969, minor military clashes transpired along the Sino-North Korean border, exacerbated by the political climate of China's Cultural Revolution and actions by Chinese Red Guards.
The 'August Faction Incident' involved an attempt by Kim Il Sung to purge pro-Soviet elements within the Workers' Party of Korea.
Answer: False
Explanation: The August Faction Incident of 1956 was an attempt by a faction within the Workers' Party of Korea, reportedly supported by external powers, to remove Kim Il Sung from leadership, not an action initiated by Kim Il Sung himself.
China's 'Open Door Policy' in the 1980s led North Korea to view China as a more reliable communist ally.
Answer: False
Explanation: China's 'Open Door Policy' in the 1980s engendered insecurity in North Korea, which perceived these reforms as a departure from communist orthodoxy, consequently diminishing its view of China as a consistently reliable ideological ally.
What historical event in 1956 is cited as a basis for North Korea's apprehension regarding Chinese interference?
Answer: The August Faction Incident, where pro-China figures attempted to oust Kim Il Sung.
Explanation: The August Faction Incident in 1956, which involved an attempt by pro-China elements to remove Kim Il Sung from power, is frequently cited as a foundational event contributing to North Korea's historical apprehension regarding external interference.
How did the Sino-Soviet split in the 1960s affect China-North Korea relations?
Answer: It created an opportunity for closer relations as North Korea found itself ideologically closer to China.
Explanation: The Sino-Soviet split fostered closer relations between China and North Korea, as North Korea's ideological alignment shifted towards Beijing amidst the deteriorating Sino-Soviet relationship.
Which statement accurately describes tensions between China and North Korea during the Cultural Revolution period?
Answer: North Korea criticized China's Cultural Revolution, and Chinese Red Guards made negative remarks about Kim Il Sung.
Explanation: During the Cultural Revolution, North Korea openly criticized China's policies, and conversely, Chinese Red Guards directed negative commentary towards Kim Il Sung, indicating significant bilateral tensions.
What was North Korea's reaction when China successfully detonated its first nuclear device in 1964?
Answer: North Korea requested Chinese assistance for its own nuclear program, which was rebuffed.
Explanation: Following China's successful nuclear test in 1964, North Korea sought technical assistance for its own nuclear development program, but this request was denied by Beijing.
In the 1970s, what shift occurred in China's diplomatic stance regarding Korean reunification?
Answer: China supported North Korea's unification program and advocated for the disbandment of the UN Commission for the Unification of Korea.
Explanation: During the 1970s, China's diplomatic approach shifted to actively support North Korea's program for peaceful unification and to call for the dissolution of the UN Commission for the Unification of Korea.
How did Deng Xiaoping's 'Open Door Policy' in the 1980s impact China-North Korea relations?
Answer: It created insecurity in North Korea, viewing it as a betrayal of communist principles, and diminished bilateral trade.
Explanation: Deng Xiaoping's 'Open Door Policy' fostered trade with Western nations, which generated insecurity in North Korea, perceiving it as a deviation from communist tenets and leading to a reduction in bilateral trade between the two countries.
North Korea viewed China's normalization of diplomatic relations with South Korea in 1992 as a positive step towards regional stability.
Answer: False
Explanation: North Korea perceived China's establishment of full diplomatic relations with South Korea in 1992 as a significant betrayal, undermining its long-held policy of seeking recognition as the sole legitimate Korean state.
China resumed subsidizing trade with North Korea in the mid-1990s primarily to bolster North Korea's industrial capacity.
Answer: False
Explanation: China resumed subsidizing trade with North Korea in the mid-1990s primarily as a measure to avert a large-scale refugee crisis in Northeast China stemming from the severe famine within North Korea.
China played a significant role in facilitating inter-Korean dialogue in the early 2000s, including supporting Kim Jong-il's pre-summit visit to Beijing.
Answer: True
Explanation: China actively facilitated inter-Korean dialogue in the early 2000s, notably by supporting Kim Jong-il's visit to Beijing prior to the historic 2000 inter-Korean summit.
North Korea's trade dependence on China significantly increased after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, North Korea's economic reliance on China escalated dramatically, with trade dependence on the PRC increasing substantially.
Following China's normalization of relations with South Korea in 1992, trade between China and North Korea continued at discounted 'friendship prices.'
Answer: False
Explanation: After normalizing relations with South Korea in 1992, China ceased providing trade at discounted 'friendship prices' to North Korea, leading to a decline in bilateral trade throughout the 1990s.
After the collapse of the Soviet bloc, China became North Korea's largest trading partner and provided crucial aid during the famine.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the post-Cold War era, China emerged as North Korea's principal trading partner and provided essential aid, particularly during the severe famine, thereby stabilizing the North Korean economy.
Kim Jong Il's visit to Beijing in March 2010 resulted in significant economic relief and assurances from China.
Answer: False
Explanation: Kim Jong Il's visit to Beijing in March 2010 did not yield significant economic relief or assurances from China; reports indicate he returned without securing additional economic support.
Why did China resume subsidizing trade with North Korea in the mid-1990s?
Answer: To prevent a refugee crisis in Northeast China due to the North Korean famine.
Explanation: China's decision to subsidize trade with North Korea during the mid-1990s famine was primarily motivated by the imperative to prevent a large-scale refugee influx into Northeast China.
Which of the following actions did China take to facilitate inter-Korean dialogue in the early 2000s?
Answer: Supported Kim Jong-il's visit to Beijing before the historic 2000 inter-Korean summit.
Explanation: China played a facilitating role in inter-Korean dialogue in the early 2000s, including supporting Kim Jong-il's visit to Beijing prior to the landmark 2000 inter-Korean summit.
What was North Korea's reaction to China establishing full diplomatic relations with South Korea in 1992?
Answer: North Korea perceived it as a betrayal and felt China no longer recognized its unique position.
Explanation: North Korea reacted to China's normalization of relations with South Korea in 1992 with a sense of betrayal, believing that China no longer acknowledged its singular position as the legitimate representative of the Korean Peninsula.
What was the outcome of Kim Jong Il's visit to Beijing in March 2010 concerning economic relief from China?
Answer: He returned empty-handed, without assurances of additional economic relief.
Explanation: Kim Jong Il's visit to Beijing in March 2010 concluded without securing substantial economic relief or explicit assurances from the Chinese leadership.
What role did China play in the post-Cold War era regarding North Korea's economic stability?
Answer: China became North Korea's largest trading partner and provided crucial aid during the famine.
Explanation: Following the dissolution of the Soviet bloc, China assumed the role of North Korea's principal trading partner and supplied critical aid, particularly during the famine years, thereby contributing to the nation's economic stability.
China condemned North Korea's 2006 nuclear test and supported UN Security Council Resolution 1718 imposing sanctions.
Answer: True
Explanation: In response to North Korea's 2006 nuclear test, China expressed condemnation and voted in favor of UN Security Council Resolution 1718, which instituted sanctions against the DPRK.
North Korean media praised China's 2017 decision to halt coal imports, viewing it as a sign of strong alliance.
Answer: False
Explanation: North Korean media outlets sharply criticized China's February 2017 suspension of coal imports, accusing Beijing of acting under external pressure and exhibiting 'big-power chauvinism'.
UN sanctions imposed since 2016 have banned North Korea's principal exports like coal and seafood.
Answer: True
Explanation: Subsequent to 2016, United Nations Security Council resolutions have enacted stringent sanctions, prohibiting North Korea's primary export commodities, including coal and seafood.
China's stated reason for suspending coal imports from North Korea in 2017 was solely due to international pressure from the United States.
Answer: False
Explanation: While international pressure, particularly from the United States, was a factor, China's stated reason for suspending coal imports from North Korea in 2017 was compliance with UN sanctions aimed at curbing the DPRK's nuclear program.
North Korea reacted to China's 2017 coal import suspension with praise and requests for continued friendship.
Answer: False
Explanation: North Korean media issued strong criticisms of China's 2017 suspension of coal imports, accusing Beijing of 'big-power chauvinism' and 'dancing to the tune of the US,' rather than offering praise.
China supported UN Security Council Resolution 1718 in 2006, which imposed sanctions on North Korea following its nuclear test.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following North Korea's nuclear test in 2006, China endorsed and voted for UN Security Council Resolution 1718, which mandated sanctions against the DPRK.
What was the primary stated reason for China's suspension of coal imports from North Korea in February 2017?
Answer: Compliance with UN sanctions aimed at curbing North Korea's nuclear program.
Explanation: China cited compliance with United Nations sanctions, designed to curtail North Korea's nuclear program, as the primary reason for suspending coal imports in February 2017.
How did China respond to North Korea's nuclear test in 2006?
Answer: China condemned the test and approved UN Security Council Resolution 1718, imposing sanctions.
Explanation: Following North Korea's 2006 nuclear test, China condemned the action and supported UN Security Council Resolution 1718, which imposed sanctions on the DPRK.
What was the reaction of North Korean media to China's suspension of coal imports in February 2017?
Answer: Accusations of 'big-power chauvinism' and 'dancing to the tune of the US.'
Explanation: North Korean media outlets, such as KCNA, issued strong criticisms of China's suspension of coal imports in February 2017, accusing Beijing of 'big-power chauvinism' and acting under external influence.
How has North Korea's nuclear program primarily affected its relationship with China?
Answer: It has strained the relationship, causing China to condemn tests and support sanctions.
Explanation: North Korea's pursuit of a nuclear program has significantly strained its relationship with China, leading Beijing to condemn nuclear tests and support international sanctions, despite the historical alliance.
What actions did China take following North Korea's nuclear tests in 2006 and 2009 regarding UN Security Council resolutions?
Answer: China supported and voted for resolutions that expanded sanctions against North Korea.
Explanation: Following North Korea's nuclear tests in 2006 and 2009, China supported and voted in favor of United Nations Security Council resolutions that imposed and expanded sanctions against the DPRK.
North Korea's nuclear program has consistently strengthened its relationship with China, leading to increased cooperation.
Answer: False
Explanation: North Korea's nuclear program has, in fact, strained its relationship with China, prompting Beijing to condemn tests and support international sanctions, rather than strengthening ties.
China has always fully enforced UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea without variation.
Answer: False
Explanation: While China has supported UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea, the extent and consistency of its enforcement have varied, leading to questions about its full compliance.
The China-North Korea border is primarily defined by mountainous terrain with few major rivers.
Answer: False
Explanation: The China-North Korea border, extending 1,416 kilometers, is predominantly delineated by the course of two major rivers: the Yalu and the Tumen.
The 1962 border treaty granted China full control over Paektu Mountain, including its crater lake.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 1962 border treaty resolved territorial disputes concerning Paektu Mountain by establishing a shared demarcation, granting China 40% of the crater lake while North Korea retained the remaining land.
China classifies North Korean defectors as refugees, providing them with legal protection under international conventions.
Answer: False
Explanation: China classifies North Korean defectors primarily as 'economic migrants,' denying them refugee status and potentially subjecting them to repatriation, which raises concerns regarding international protection principles.
The primary route for North Korean defectors seeking to reach South Korea is by crossing the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
Answer: False
Explanation: The predominant route for North Korean defectors aiming to reach South Korea involves crossing the border into China, rather than attempting the perilous passage through the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
Incidents involving North Korean defectors reaching foreign consulates in Shenyang and Beijing in 2002 caused diplomatic tensions.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 2002, incidents where North Korean defectors sought asylum at foreign consulates in Shenyang and Beijing generated significant diplomatic friction.
North Korean defectors repatriated by China typically face lenient treatment and reintegration programs upon return.
Answer: False
Explanation: Defectors repatriated to North Korea by China commonly face severe repercussions, including imprisonment in penal labor camps or execution, rather than lenient treatment.
The 1962 Sino-North Korean Border Treaty granted North Korea full sovereignty over Paektu Mountain and its crater lake.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 1962 border treaty resolved disputes over Paektu Mountain by establishing a shared boundary; China received jurisdiction over 40% of the crater lake, while North Korea retained the remaining territory.
The 1962 Sino-North Korean Border Treaty demarcated the shared land border and resolved disputes over territories like Paektu Mountain.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 1962 Sino-North Korean Border Treaty served to formalize the demarcation of their shared land border and address territorial disputes, including those pertaining to Paektu Mountain.
China's policy towards North Korean defectors has remained consistent, always treating them as illegal immigrants subject to repatriation.
Answer: False
Explanation: China's policy regarding North Korean defectors has evolved; while often classified as economic migrants subject to repatriation, there have been instances of allowing passage to third countries, indicating a lack of absolute consistency.
What is the primary route for North Korean defectors attempting to reach South Korea?
Answer: Crossing the border into China, then proceeding onwards.
Explanation: The principal pathway for North Korean defectors seeking to reach South Korea involves crossing the border into China, subsequently navigating onward routes.
What consequence do North Korean defectors typically face if repatriated by China?
Answer: Placement in penal labor camps or execution.
Explanation: Upon repatriation to North Korea by Chinese authorities, defectors typically face severe penalties, including confinement in penal labor camps or execution.
What trend has occurred regarding North Korean refugees crossing into China in recent years?
Answer: The flow has reversed, with significant numbers of North Koreans fleeing to China.
Explanation: In recent years, there has been a notable reversal of migration trends, with a significant increase in the number of North Koreans fleeing across the border into China.
What geographical features primarily define the 1,416-kilometer border between China and North Korea?
Answer: The Tumen River and the Yalu River.
Explanation: The extensive 1,416-kilometer border separating China and North Korea is predominantly demarcated by the Tumen and Yalu rivers.
How was the border dispute concerning Paektu Mountain resolved by the 1962 treaty?
Answer: The mountain was divided, with China receiving 40% of the crater lake and North Korea the rest.
Explanation: The 1962 Sino-North Korean Border Treaty resolved territorial disputes concerning Paektu Mountain by dividing control, with China acquiring jurisdiction over 40% of the crater lake.
How does China classify North Korean defectors, and what are the implications of this classification?
Answer: As economic migrants, denying them refugee status and risking repatriation.
Explanation: China classifies North Korean defectors primarily as 'economic migrants,' a designation that denies them refugee status and increases the risk of repatriation, potentially contravening international humanitarian principles.
China's economic assistance to North Korea constitutes a minor portion of China's overall foreign aid.
Answer: False
Explanation: China's economic assistance to North Korea represents a substantial portion, approximately half, of its total foreign aid, providing direct support that often circumvents international scrutiny.
North Korea's primary exports to China are manufactured goods and advanced technology.
Answer: False
Explanation: North Korea's principal exports to China consist mainly of raw materials, such as anthracite coal, iron ore, and marine products, reflecting limited industrial development.
How significant is China's economic assistance to North Korea in the context of China's overall foreign aid?
Answer: It constitutes about half of all Chinese foreign aid.
Explanation: China's economic aid directed towards North Korea comprises approximately half of its total foreign assistance budget, providing substantial direct support.
How has North Korea's trade dependence on China evolved since the dissolution of the Soviet Union?
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, North Korea's trade dependence on China increased markedly, rising from approximately 25% in 2000 to over 80% by 2010 and remaining in the high 90% range thereafter.
What are North Korea's main exports to China, and why are they limited?
Answer: Primarily raw materials like coal, iron ore, and seafood, due to limited industrial capacity.
Explanation: North Korea's exports to China are predominantly raw materials such as anthracite coal, iron ore, and marine products, reflecting the constraints of its industrial base.
North Korea's trade dependence on China significantly increased after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, North Korea's economic reliance on China escalated dramatically, with trade dependence on the PRC increasing substantially.
The bilateral relationship between the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is primarily characterized by strategic competition and deep mistrust.
Answer: False
Explanation: While elements of strategic competition and mistrust exist, the bilateral relationship between the PRC and the DPRK is conventionally characterized by a 'special relationship' underpinned by a mutual defense treaty and historical ties, often described as friendly.
The meeting between Jang Song-thaek and Hu Jintao in 2012 reportedly contributed to Kim Jong Un's distrust of China due to alleged discussions about leadership changes.
Answer: True
Explanation: Reports suggest that the 2012 meeting between Jang Song-thaek and Hu Jintao, potentially involving discussions about leadership succession, contributed to Kim Jong Un's subsequent distrust of China.
Relations between China and North Korea reached a high point in 2013-2014, marked by increased diplomatic exchanges and cooperation.
Answer: False
Explanation: The period of 2013-2014 is generally considered a low point in China-North Korea relations, marked by incidents such as the seizure of Chinese fishing boats and strained diplomatic ties, rather than a high point of cooperation.
Following 2018, relations between China and North Korea improved significantly, evidenced by multiple meetings between Kim Jong Un and Xi Jinping.
Answer: True
Explanation: Relations between China and North Korea experienced a notable improvement subsequent to 2018, characterized by several high-level meetings between leaders Kim Jong Un and Xi Jinping, including Xi's state visit to Pyongyang.
North Korea has publicly supported China's policies regarding Xinjiang and Hong Kong.
Answer: True
Explanation: North Korea has publicly voiced support for China's policies concerning Xinjiang, including signing a letter defending internment camps, and has also expressed full backing for China's actions regarding Hong Kong.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in trade between China and North Korea due to new supply chain demands.
Answer: False
Explanation: The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a drastic reduction in trade between China and North Korea, with border closures leading to significant declines in imports and exports starting in early 2020.
Huawei has been reported to have secretly assisted North Korea in building its commercial wireless network.
Answer: True
Explanation: Reports indicate that Huawei has covertly aided North Korea in the development and maintenance of its commercial wireless network infrastructure.
The July 2023 visit by Li Hongzhong marked the first high-level Chinese visit to North Korea since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answer: True
Explanation: Li Hongzhong's visit to North Korea in July 2023, to attend the 70th Day of Victory, represented the first high-level delegation from China since the commencement of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2018 North Korea bus accident, involving Chinese tourists, led to improved diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 2018 bus accident involving Chinese tourists resulted in significant diplomatic strain and complicated bilateral relations, rather than leading to improvements.
China closed its border with North Korea in January 2020 primarily to facilitate increased trade during the pandemic.
Answer: False
Explanation: China closed its border with North Korea in January 2020 as a preventative measure against the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, not to facilitate increased trade.
Which event marked an improvement in China-North Korea relations after 2018?
Answer: Multiple meetings between Kim Jong Un and Xi Jinping, including Xi's visit to Pyongyang.
Explanation: The period following 2018 saw an improvement in China-North Korea relations, significantly marked by multiple summit meetings between Kim Jong Un and Xi Jinping, including Xi's state visit to Pyongyang.
How has North Korea publicly supported China's policies on Xinjiang?
Answer: By signing a letter in July 2019 defending Xinjiang internment camps and praising China's human rights achievements there.
Explanation: North Korea has publicly endorsed China's policies in Xinjiang, notably by signing a letter in July 2019 that defended the internment camps and lauded China's human rights record in the region.
What event marked the first high-level Chinese visit to North Korea since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Answer: Li Hongzhong's visit in July 2023 to attend the 70th Day of Victory.
Explanation: The visit by Li Hongzhong in July 2023 to commemorate the 70th Day of Victory marked the inaugural high-level delegation from China to North Korea since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What alleged event during the 2012 meeting between Jang Song-thaek and Hu Jintao reportedly contributed to Kim Jong Un's distrust of China?
Answer: Jang Song-thaek informed Hu Jintao of a plot to replace Kim Jong Un.
Explanation: It is alleged that during the 2012 meeting, Jang Song-thaek informed Hu Jintao of a purported plot to replace Kim Jong Un, an event that reportedly fueled Kim Jong Un's subsequent distrust of China.
Which incidents in 2013 and 2014 indicated a low point in China-North Korea relations?
Answer: North Korea seizing a Chinese fishing boat and the execution of Jang Song-thaek.
Explanation: Incidents such as North Korea seizing a Chinese fishing boat in May 2013 and the subsequent execution of Jang Song-thaek contributed to relations reaching a low point by December 2014.
How did the 2018 North Korea bus accident impact relations between China and North Korea?
Answer: It caused significant diplomatic strain and complicated the relationship.
Explanation: The 2018 bus accident involving Chinese tourists resulted in considerable diplomatic strain and complicated the relationship between China and North Korea.
What did a 2014 BBC World Service Poll indicate about Chinese public opinion towards North Korea's influence?
Answer: Only 20% viewed North Korea's influence positively, while 46% viewed it negatively.
Explanation: A 2014 BBC World Service Poll revealed that only 20% of Chinese respondents held a positive view of North Korea's influence, whereas 46% expressed a negative perspective.
According to a 2019 report, what role did Huawei play in North Korea's telecommunications infrastructure?
Answer: Huawei secretly helped North Korea build and maintain its commercial wireless network.
Explanation: A 2019 report indicated that Huawei covertly assisted North Korea in constructing and maintaining its commercial wireless network, in collaboration with a Chinese state-owned enterprise.
The bilateral relationship between the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is primarily characterized by strategic competition and deep mistrust.
Answer: False
Explanation: While elements of strategic competition and mistrust exist, the bilateral relationship between the PRC and the DPRK is conventionally characterized by a 'special relationship' underpinned by a mutual defense treaty and historical ties, often described as friendly.