The treaty was signed on 11 July 1961 in Beijing by Chinese premier Zhou Enlai and North Korean leader Kim Il Sung.

[5] After the 1961 May 16 coup, the new South Korean leader Park Chung Hee urged for an increase in military spending and for action to be taken against North Korea.

[6][7] Kim Il Sung arrived in Beijing in 1961 to sign the treaty just a few days after signing the North Korean-Soviet Mutual Aid and Cooperation Friendship Treaty (朝苏友好合作互助条约).

[10][11] The treaty generally promoted peaceful cooperation in the areas of culture, economics, technology and other social benefits between the two nations.

[9] In accordance with Article 7, the Treaty remains in force unless an agreement is reached on its amendment or termination.