Kim Jong Un Says He Will Strengthen Ties With China "More Vigorously"

China continues to serve as a crucial supporter and economic backbone for North Korea.

Seoul:

According to state media KCNA's Tuesday report, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed his commitment to enhance relations with China "more vigorously" in the future.

KCNA noted that Kim made these remarks in response to Chinese President Xi Jinping's congratulatory message commemorating North Korea's founding anniversary.

The report added that Kim expressed he could "feel well enough" China's support during his recent Beijing visit, where he observed a military parade alongside President Xi.

During the World War Two anniversary commemoration in Beijing, Xi and Kim stood together and held a separate bilateral meeting, their first face-to-face discussion in six years.

China remains North Korea's most significant backer and provides an essential economic lifeline for the country.

In other developments, Kim previously stated he saw no reason to avoid discussions with the United States if Washington abandoned its demand for nuclear disarmament, while emphasizing he would never surrender the nuclear arsenal to end sanctions.