North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed to strengthen ties with China and together ''frustrate'' threats and hostile policies from the United States and its allies.

In response, China's President Xi Jinping said Beijing is ready to work, together with the Korean side, to steadily develop the China-Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) relations of friendship and cooperation ... "under a new situation."

Xi made the remarks in response to Kim's congratulatory message for the Beijing Winter Olympics Games and a verbal message of congratulation soon after the successful closing of the games, according to KCNA.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-launch-china-urges-caution-japan-calls-it-regrettable-442436">Also read |&nbsp;North Korean launch: China urges caution, Japan calls it regrettable</a>

North Korean athletes were not eligible to compete under their national flag after the country failed to send a team to the Tokyo Summer Olympics last year, citing COVID-19 concerns.

China’s UN ambassador said Friday the US should come up with “more attractive and more practical” policies and actions to reduce tensions with North Korea and avoid a return to a “vicious circle” of confrontation, condemnation and sanctions over its nuclear and ballistic missile programme.

Zhang Jun said that the solution lies in direct dialogue and that if the Biden administration wants to see a breakthrough with Pyongyang “they should show more sincerity and flexibility.”

In rare remarks to reporters on Beijing’s views on the US-North Korean nuclear dispute, the Chinese ambassador said, “What I see is the key in solving this issue is already in the hands of the United States.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-china-block-us-bid-to-impose-un-sanctions-on-north-koreans-446312">Also read |&nbsp;Russia, China block US bid to impose UN sanctions on North Koreans</a>

Beijing is Pyongyang's most important ally and economic benefactor, their relationship was forged in the bloodshed of the Korean War in the 1950s.

North Korea is reeling economically from a self-imposed coronavirus blockade, and restarted cross-border trade with Beijing last month.

China accounts for more than 90 percent of the isolated country's bilateral trade.

Pyongyang is under multiple sets of international sanctions over its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. But regardless, it has warned it could abandon its self-imposed moratorium and resume testing intercontinental ballistic missiles or nuclear weapons.

Some experts have warned that with the eyes of the world focussed on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, North Korea might take the opportunity to test-fire long-range missiles.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed to strengthen ties with China and together ''frustrate'' threats and hostile policies from the United States and its allies.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed to strengthen ties with China and together ''frustrate'' threats and hostile policies from the United States and its allies. In response, China's President Xi Jinping said Beijing is ready to work, together with the Korean side, to steadily develop the China-Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) relations of friendship and cooperation ... "under a new situation." Xi made the remarks in response to Kim's congratulatory message for the Beijing Winter Olympics Games and a verbal message of congratulation soon after the successful closing of the games, according to KCNA. Also read | North Korean launch: China urges caution, Japan calls it regrettable North Korean athletes were not eligible to compete under their national flag after the country failed to send a team to the Tokyo Summer Olympics last year, citing COVID-19 concerns. China’s UN ambassador said Friday the US should come up with “more attractive and more practical” policies and actions to reduce tensions with North Korea and avoid a return to a “vicious circle” of confrontation, condemnation and sanctions over its nuclear and ballistic missile programme. Zhang Jun said that the solution lies in direct dialogue and that if the Biden administration wants to see a breakthrough with Pyongyang “they should show more sincerity and flexibility.” In rare remarks to reporters on Beijing’s views on the US-North Korean nuclear dispute, the Chinese ambassador said, “What I see is the key in solving this issue is already in the hands of the United States.” Also read | Russia, China block US bid to impose UN sanctions on North Koreans Beijing is Pyongyang's most important ally and economic benefactor, their relationship was forged in the bloodshed of the Korean War in the 1950s. North Korea is reeling economically from a self-imposed coronavirus blockade, and restarted cross-border trade with Beijing last month. China accounts for more than 90 percent of the isolated country's bilateral trade. Pyongyang is under multiple sets of international sanctions over its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. But regardless, it has warned it could abandon its self-imposed moratorium and resume testing intercontinental ballistic missiles or nuclear weapons. Some experts have warned that with the eyes of the world focussed on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, North Korea might take the opportunity to test-fire long-range missiles. (With inputs from agencies)

Kim Jong Un vows to strengthen ties with China and together 'frustrate' threats from US

North Korea's Kim Jong Un has sent a "warm greetings"&nbsp;to Chinese leader Xi Jinping in a "verbal message", state news agency of North Korea&nbsp;reported Friday, after weeks of speculation about his health.

The news agency did not explain what it meant by a "verbal message," and it was not clear if Kim and Xi had spoken directly.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinas-wondfo-biotech-targets-wion-after-producing-faulty-testing-kits-297293">China's Wondfo Biotech targets WION after producing faulty testing kits</a>

The message was "in connection with the fact that China is registering success in preventing the COVID-19 infection," according to state media KCNA, with Kim extending his "warm greetings" to Xi.

Rumors about Kim's health have been swirling since his conspicuous no-show at April 15 celebrations for the birthday of his grandfather, the North's founder -- the most important day in the country's political calendar.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-lambasts-us-for-coercing-countries-to-plant-covid-19-accusations-against-it-297110" hreflang="en">China lambasts US for forcing countries to plant accusations against it</a>

He was absent for weeks before reappearing on May 2 at a factory opening.

Kim's temporary disappearance triggered a series of fevered rumors and unconfirmed reports over his condition, while the United States and South Korea insisted they had no information to believe any of the conjecture was true.

The North also lashed out at the South early Friday over recent military exercises carried out by Seoul.

"Such reckless move of the military warmongers of the south side is the height of the military confrontation which would leave tongue-tied even their master," KCNA quoted a North Korean military spokesperson as saying.

"This is a grave provocation which can never be overlooked and this situation demands a necessary reaction from us," the spokesperson reportedly said.

North Korea's Kim Jong Un has sent a "warm greetings" to Chinese leader Xi Jinping in a "verbal message", state news agency of North Korea reported Friday, after weeks of speculation about his health.

North Korea's Kim Jong Un has sent a "warm greetings" to Chinese leader Xi Jinping in a "verbal message", state news agency of North Korea reported Friday, after weeks of speculation about his health. The news agency did not explain what it meant by a "verbal message," and it was not clear if Kim and Xi had spoken directly. Also read: China's Wondfo Biotech targets WION after producing faulty testing kits The message was "in connection with the fact that China is registering success in preventing the COVID-19 infection," according to state media KCNA, with Kim extending his "warm greetings" to Xi. Rumors about Kim's health have been swirling since his conspicuous no-show at April 15 celebrations for the birthday of his grandfather, the North's founder -- the most important day in the country's political calendar. Also read: China lambasts US for forcing countries to plant accusations against it He was absent for weeks before reappearing on May 2 at a factory opening. Kim's temporary disappearance triggered a series of fevered rumors and unconfirmed reports over his condition, while the United States and South Korea insisted they had no information to believe any of the conjecture was true. The North also lashed out at the South early Friday over recent military exercises carried out by Seoul. "Such reckless move of the military warmongers of the south side is the height of the military confrontation which would leave tongue-tied even their master," KCNA quoted a North Korean military spokesperson as saying. "This is a grave provocation which can never be overlooked and this situation demands a necessary reaction from us," the spokesperson reportedly said.

Kim Jong-un sends 'verbal message' to Xi Jinping for China's success on its handling of COVID-19

A Chinese city has opened a new border <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-holds-marathon-tourist-numbers-are-double-from-last-year-208584">crossing with North Korea</a> - fitted with radiation detectors - even as talks between Washington and Pyongyang have languished over disagreements for nuclear sanctions relief.

The new highway border crossing opened in the northeastern city of Ji'an on Monday, complementing its three existing ports with the North, the city said in a statement published to its website on Tuesday.

"After three years of unremitting efforts, the China-North Korean Ji'an-Manpo Highway Port was officially opened," the city said.&nbsp;

The project cost $42 million and the city estimated 500,000 tons of goods and 200,000 people would cross through the new port each year.

But crippling UN sanctions imposed on the North by the UN Security Council in 2016 and 2017 have crimped trade between the two Cold War-era allies.

China is by far the North's biggest trading partner. While Pyongyang publishes virtually no economic statistics of its own, Chinese Customs figures show exports to China have plummeted by more than 90 per cent since 2016, down to $213 million last year - although some observers question their reliability

Sanctions relief was top of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's agenda for his Hanoi summit with US President Donald Trump in February.

But the meeting broke up without a statement or even a lunch as the two sides disagreed over walking back Pyongyang's nuclear weapons programme in exchange for loosening sanctions.

After the opening ceremony, the first 120 tourists crossed the border. Chinese tourism to the North has picked up as relations between the countries have improved in recent years.

The crossing also has a nuclear radiation detection gate, the city said. China has long been worried about any fallout from North Korea's nuclear activities and Jilin was rocked by an earthquake after a massive bomb test across the border in September 2017.

The main artery for North Korean trade with China has traditionally been through the Chinese border city of Dandong, to the south. &nbsp;

Ambitious city planners there started work on a Dandong New Zone in 2012, capped by a massive project to open a bridge connecting the city with the North Korean city of Sinuiju on the other side.

Authorities expected billions of dollars in investment to flood into jointly-run free trade zones on both sides of the border.

But after construction on the four-lane, $350-million bridge completed, it never opened, and the concrete runs into fields on the North Korean side. 
&nbsp;

A Chinese city has opened a new border crossing with North Korea - fitted with radiation detectors - even as talks between Washington and Pyongyang have languished over disagreements for nuclear sanctions relief.

A Chinese city has opened a new border crossing with North Korea - fitted with radiation detectors - even as talks between Washington and Pyongyang have languished over disagreements for nuclear sanctions relief. The new highway border crossing opened in the northeastern city of Ji'an on Monday, complementing its three existing ports with the North, the city said in a statement published to its website on Tuesday. "After three years of unremitting efforts, the China-North Korean Ji'an-Manpo Highway Port was officially opened," the city said. The project cost $42 million and the city estimated 500,000 tons of goods and 200,000 people would cross through the new port each year. But crippling UN sanctions imposed on the North by the UN Security Council in 2016 and 2017 have crimped trade between the two Cold War-era allies. China is by far the North's biggest trading partner. While Pyongyang publishes virtually no economic statistics of its own, Chinese Customs figures show exports to China have plummeted by more than 90 per cent since 2016, down to $213 million last year - although some observers question their reliability Sanctions relief was top of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's agenda for his Hanoi summit with US President Donald Trump in February. But the meeting broke up without a statement or even a lunch as the two sides disagreed over walking back Pyongyang's nuclear weapons programme in exchange for loosening sanctions. After the opening ceremony, the first 120 tourists crossed the border. Chinese tourism to the North has picked up as relations between the countries have improved in recent years. The crossing also has a nuclear radiation detection gate, the city said. China has long been worried about any fallout from North Korea's nuclear activities and Jilin was rocked by an earthquake after a massive bomb test across the border in September 2017. The main artery for North Korean trade with China has traditionally been through the Chinese border city of Dandong, to the south. Ambitious city planners there started work on a Dandong New Zone in 2012, capped by a massive project to open a bridge connecting the city with the North Korean city of Sinuiju on the other side. Authorities expected billions of dollars in investment to flood into jointly-run free trade zones on both sides of the border. But after construction on the four-lane, $350-million bridge completed, it never opened, and the concrete runs into fields on the North Korean side.

Chinese city opens new border crossing with North Korea

North Korean leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-sets-off-by-train-to-vietnam-for-summit-with-trump-report-199156">Kim Jong Un</a> angered historically Beijing in the past with his weapons tests, but relations have since improved, showing China remains a key diplomatic player as he cosies up to Donald Trump.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-and-kim-to-have-one-one-one-meeting-at-vietnam-summit-198849">Trump and Kim are due to meet in Hanoi </a>from February 27-28 -- their second face-to-face since a summit in Singapore in June that produced a vaguely worded agreement on denuclearisation.

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/i-dont-want-my-children-to-bear-burden-of-nuclear-arms-says-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-199161"> I don't want my children to bear </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/i-dont-want-my-children-to-bear-burden-of-nuclear-arms-says-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-199161">burden</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/i-dont-want-my-children-to-bear-burden-of-nuclear-arms-says-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-199161"> of nuclear arms, says North Korea's Kim Jong-un</a>

Here is a look at how China continues to make its presence felt as the summit approaches.

Why did the Cold War allies have a falling out?

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics%3A-china-provides-top-security-to-north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-145914">China has supported the Kim dynasty</a> since the Korean War, but Pyongyang's nuclear programme has threatened Beijing's desire for stability in the region and strained the relationship between the Cold War allies.&nbsp;

Ties dropped to a low point in 2017 following a series of nuclear and ballistic missile tests, with China backing a raft of UN sanctions, including bans on North Korean exports of coal, iron and seafood.

"Previously China saw North Korea as a useful buffer against the US," said Zhao Tong, a nuclear policy expert at the Carnegie-Tsinghua Center for Global Policy in Beijing.

But Pyongyang's weapons testing has created headaches for Beijing, "and China felt North Korea was increasingly becoming a liability rather than an asset," he added. &nbsp;

Why have relations improved?

A turning point came when <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-jong-un-ends-beijing-visit-as-trump-summit-looms-189192">Kim travelled to Beijing to meet with President Xi Jinping </a>last year -- the young leader's first foreign trip since he came to power.

Since then, the leaders have met three more times in China, though Xi has yet to act on invitations to visit North Korea.

A closer relationship with Beijing gives Pyongyang leverage over the US, analysts say. As North Korea's main trading partner and sole major ally, China's economic support and diplomatic backing are also crucial to Pyongyang in case talks with the US fall through.

"Kim may be working to play China and the United States off of each other -- in making frequent visits to Beijing, Kim is signalling to the Trump administration that he has other options," said Emily Weinstein, a research analyst at Pointe Bello.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-the-china-north-korea-unholy-nexus-28306">The China-North Korea unholy nexus</a>

But the improved ties should not be exaggerated, said Bonnie Glaser, a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

"I believe that Kim recognises that he must show some deference to China, but he seeks to reduce his country's dependence on China and diversify its options," she said.

Is China worried about Trump and Kim's bromance?

Despite the frequent meetings, there appears to be little love lost between the Asian leaders.

Former US ambassador to China Max Baucus told the BBC in 2017 that Xi "does not like that man (Kim) at all", and analysts say their relationship is strategic rather than one based on trust.

In contrast, Kim and Trump have shifted from trading vicious personal attacks to a budding bromance, with the US president saying they "fell in love" upon exchanging a series of letters following their meeting in Singapore.

Personal chemistry aside, the prospect of closer ties between Washington and Pyongyang is worrying for Beijing, which wants to keep Pyongyang out of America's sphere of influence but also wants denuclearisation, analysts say.

"Beijing fears a fundamental shift that would result in the US having a better relationship with North Korea than China has," said Glaser, adding that this is an unlikely outcome in the near term.

"A Trump-Kim deal in which the US and North Korea keep talking and there is incremental progress toward the goal of denuclearisation is beneficial for China."

How has China kept its influence over North Korea?

China's influence is palpable as the summit approaches, with Kim making another trip to Beijing last month -- seen by analysts as a meeting to coordinate strategy with Xi.

Kim could meet with Xi again before the summit, as his train reportedly crossed into China late Saturday.&nbsp;

Though his presence on board the train was not confirmed, a long train ride across his giant neighbour to reach Vietnam is another symbol of China's unavoidable role in the diplomatic shuffle.&nbsp;

Beijing lent Kim a plane to travel to Singapore in June.

China called for easing sanctions on Pyongyang in September, undercutting the US attempts to exert international pressure on Pyongyang to give up its weapons program.

"China has resumed some of the economic and trading relationships with North Korea and that has been very helpful for North Korea to survive under the very harsh international maximum pressure campaign led by the United States," said Zhao.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un angered historically Beijing in the past with his weapons tests, but relations have since improved, showing China remains a key diplomatic player as he cosies up to Donald Trump.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un angered historically Beijing in the past with his weapons tests, but relations have since improved, showing China remains a key diplomatic player as he cosies up to Donald Trump. Trump and Kim are due to meet in Hanoi from February 27-28 -- their second face-to-face since a summit in Singapore in June that produced a vaguely worded agreement on denuclearisation. Also read: I don't want my children to bear burden of nuclear arms, says North Korea's Kim Jong-un Here is a look at how China continues to make its presence felt as the summit approaches. Why did the Cold War allies have a falling out? China has supported the Kim dynasty since the Korean War, but Pyongyang's nuclear programme has threatened Beijing's desire for stability in the region and strained the relationship between the Cold War allies. Ties dropped to a low point in 2017 following a series of nuclear and ballistic missile tests, with China backing a raft of UN sanctions, including bans on North Korean exports of coal, iron and seafood. "Previously China saw North Korea as a useful buffer against the US," said Zhao Tong, a nuclear policy expert at the Carnegie-Tsinghua Center for Global Policy in Beijing. But Pyongyang's weapons testing has created headaches for Beijing, "and China felt North Korea was increasingly becoming a liability rather than an asset," he added. Why have relations improved? A turning point came when Kim travelled to Beijing to meet with President Xi Jinping last year -- the young leader's first foreign trip since he came to power. Since then, the leaders have met three more times in China, though Xi has yet to act on invitations to visit North Korea. A closer relationship with Beijing gives Pyongyang leverage over the US, analysts say. As North Korea's main trading partner and sole major ally, China's economic support and diplomatic backing are also crucial to Pyongyang in case talks with the US fall through. "Kim may be working to play China and the United States off of each other -- in making frequent visits to Beijing, Kim is signalling to the Trump administration that he has other options," said Emily Weinstein, a research analyst at Pointe Bello. Also read: The China-North Korea unholy nexus But the improved ties should not be exaggerated, said Bonnie Glaser, a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "I believe that Kim recognises that he must show some deference to China, but he seeks to reduce his country's dependence on China and diversify its options," she said. Is China worried about Trump and Kim's bromance? Despite the frequent meetings, there appears to be little love lost between the Asian leaders. Former US ambassador to China Max Baucus told the BBC in 2017 that Xi "does not like that man (Kim) at all", and analysts say their relationship is strategic rather than one based on trust. In contrast, Kim and Trump have shifted from trading vicious personal attacks to a budding bromance, with the US president saying they "fell in love" upon exchanging a series of letters following their meeting in Singapore. Personal chemistry aside, the prospect of closer ties between Washington and Pyongyang is worrying for Beijing, which wants to keep Pyongyang out of America's sphere of influence but also wants denuclearisation, analysts say. "Beijing fears a fundamental shift that would result in the US having a better relationship with North Korea than China has," said Glaser, adding that this is an unlikely outcome in the near term. "A Trump-Kim deal in which the US and North Korea keep talking and there is incremental progress toward the goal of denuclearisation is beneficial for China." How has China kept its influence over North Korea? China's influence is palpable as the summit approaches, with Kim making another trip to Beijing last month -- seen by analysts as a meeting to coordinate strategy with Xi. Kim could meet with Xi again before the summit, as his train reportedly crossed into China late Saturday. Though his presence on board the train was not confirmed, a long train ride across his giant neighbour to reach Vietnam is another symbol of China's unavoidable role in the diplomatic shuffle. Beijing lent Kim a plane to travel to Singapore in June. China called for easing sanctions on Pyongyang in September, undercutting the US attempts to exert international pressure on Pyongyang to give up its weapons program. "China has resumed some of the economic and trading relationships with North Korea and that has been very helpful for North Korea to survive under the very harsh international maximum pressure campaign led by the United States," said Zhao.

Why China remains key player as US, North Korea meet