In his signed article published in Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on Monday, President Xi Jinping, who was on a state visit to the country, emphasized that the two countries should continuously enhance the well-being and friendship of the two peoples.

China and the DPRK not only enjoy geographical proximity but also share a close deep-rooted friendship, cultivated by generations of leaders from both countries. The enduring relationship between the two countries has deep roots in their socialist development and is a cherished asset for both peoples.

Exchanges between the two populations reflect this goodwill, providing public support for neighborly relations and cooperation in the new era.

The youth play a crucial role in carrying forward this legacy of friendship. Both countries have consistently prioritized youth and cultural exchanges as a cornerstone of their people-to-people cooperation.

Through youth visits, study programs and inter-school activities, a stable and enduring framework of cooperation has developed. In May, 70 Chinese students from 16 universities across China, supported by the China Scholarship Council, arrived at the Pyongyang Sunan International Airport, where they were warmly welcomed by representatives from the DPRK Ministry of Education, Kim Il Sung University, and Kim Hyong Jik University of Education.

By immersing themselves in the Korean language and culture at universities in Pyongyang, Chinese students build lasting friendships with their DPRK peers.

At the same time, DPRK students at institutions such as Jilin University and Yanbian University gain insights from China's reform and opening-up, and advancements in science and technology, which they bring back to their country.

Such exchanges foster mutual understanding and strengthen emotional affinity between the two peoples, inspiring the youth to continue the traditional China-DPRK friendship and contribute to cultural exchanges.

Eager to acquire knowledge, young people lay a solid foundation for cultural exchanges between the two countries, while the vibrant folk cultures of both nations serve as a warm and enduring bond. In October 2025, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party of Korea, the Shanghai Dance Theatre presented the classic dance drama The Eternal Wave at the East Pyongyang Grand Theatre.

The performance, staged twice, received enthusiastic acclaim and prolonged applause from the DPRK audience. This artistic tribute not only showcased the allure of Chinese culture but also created a platform for spiritual exchange among the youth, allowing them to share sentiments and revisit shared historical memories.

China and the DPRK share cultural roots and have similar folk traditions. Festivals such as Spring Festival and Lantern Festival are celebrated with kindred customs. Song and dance, cuisine, and handicrafts also reflect shared origins. Both countries have now prioritized folk activities as a means of engagement, launching interactive events such as "Happy Chinese New Year" temple fairs, intangible cultural heritage exhibitions, and folk culture experience programs.

These initiatives revive their shared cultural heritage and strengthen emotional bonds between people.

The integration of everyday folk practices is a testament to the bond between China and the DPRK. Both cultures cherish glutinous rice delicacies and spicy flavors, with kimchi and tteok paralleling pickled cabbage and niangao in Northeast China.

These dishes have similar ingredients and cooking techniques, which evoke shared memories and a sense of festive ritual.

Dandong in Liaoning province is the largest border city between China and the DPRK, offering a vivid snapshot of their blended food cultures. The streets are lined with delicacies such as cold noodles, barbecued meat, and tteok. On their part, DPRK residents enjoy Chinese snacks such as jiaozi, tangyuan, and fried dough twists, making food a delicious channel for emotional exchange.

At the Shencai Gallery in Shenyang, Liaoning province, DPRK oil paintings depict the white mountains, black rivers and railways along the Yalu River, alongside scenes of hardworking people tilling the yellow earth.

Through art and aesthetics, these paintings bridge the distance between the two peoples.

There's an ancient Chinese saying that benevolence and kindness to neighbors are a nation's treasures. The emotional bond between nations is nurtured by countless warm interactions, especially among the younger generation.

Today, the friendship between youths transcends political rhetoric and grand narratives. It is reflected in the pride and connection seen in the eyes of young scholars from Yanbian University and Kim Il Sung University as they exchange thoughts on each other's papers.

It's also found in a WeChat chat window of a trading partner in Dandong, in a simple, heartfelt message: "Thanks, and long live China-DPRK friendship". These everyday moments vividly reflect the deep emotional bond between the peoples of China and the DPRK, forged through wartime sacrifice and continuously reaffirmed through sincere, respectful interactions today.

This bond also points to a friendship meant to be passed down to future generations, which forms the foundation on which China-DPRK ties have steadily advanced, growing stronger and more resilient over time.

The cross-border visits and interactions among the younger generation are creating a deep reservoir of friendship for the future. With the youth supporting each other in friendship, the future of China-DPRK relations looks vibrant and promising.

The author is a professor from Dalian Minzu University.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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