China and North Korea want to “strengthen” their “friendship” and “cooperation” ties, their leaders said today, according to state media, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

“China is willing to work with North Korea (…) to strengthen strategic communication and coordination, deepen friendly exchanges and cooperation,” Chinese President Xi Jinping noted, according to Xinhua News Agency (News China).

Beijing and Pyongyang “have worked closely together to promote peace and stability in the region and uphold equality and international justice,” he added.

For his part, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said Pyongyang “will constantly strive to strengthen and develop relations of friendship and cooperation between (North Korea) and China,” according to state news agency KCNA.

Xi and Kim exchanged congratulatory messages today on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

China and North Korea are traditional allies, and Beijing has long offered its support to Pyongyang, which is diplomatically isolated.

According to analysts, the North Korean regime relies heavily on Chinese businesses and banks to circumvent international sanctions.

North Korea’s relations with Russia have also been strained since the start of the Russian offensive in Ukraine in February 2022. In late June, Russian President Vladimir Putin was lavishly received by Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang – the summit ended with the signing of a bilateral “strategic” agreement, which provides for mutual assistance in the event of an attack.