Kim of North Korea says he would fortify relations with China more firmly, according to official media

North Korean President Kim Jong Un promised to advance ties with China “more vigorously,” according to a report published on Tuesday by state broadcaster KCNA.

According to KCNA, Kim delivered the remarks in response to a letter of congratulations from Chinese President Xi Jinping on the anniversary of North Korea’s creation.

During his trip to Beijing earlier this month, where he accompanied Xi to observe a military parade, Kim also stated that he could “feel well enough” about China’s backing, according to KCNA.

Xi and Kim held their first separate bilateral encounter in six years while standing next to each other at the World War Two commemorative celebration in Beijing.

North Korea’s economic lifeblood and biggest supporter is China.

Although Kim had previously stated that there was no justification and that he would never give up the nuclear arsenal in order to lift sanctions, he opened a new tab to skip negotiations with the United States if Washington stopped demanding that his nation give up its nuclear weapons.