Xi says China’s commitment to North Korea friendship will not change

Chinese President Xi Jinping said China's commitment to its traditional friendship with North Korea would not change regardless of how the international

situation evolves, according to letters exchanged with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and published by North Korean state media KCNA on Saturday.



Kim, in a letter to Xi, said bilateral friendship and cooperation had risen to a "new strategic level," KCNA reported.



North Korea's Premier Pak Thae Song arrived in Beijing on Friday for a three-day visit to attend an event marking the 65th anniversary of the neighbours' friendship treaty.



Xi travelled to Pyongyang last month for his first visit to North Korea in seven years, where he and Kim agreed to expand cooperation across politics, economy and culture.