Kim Vows to Strengthen Ties with China

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said he would promote relations with China "more vigorously".

Kim's comments were made in a reply to Chinese President Xi Jinping's congratulatory message on North Korea's founding anniversary.

Kim also said he could "feel well enough" China's support during his visit earlier this month to Beijing where he watched a military parade alongside Xi.

Xi stood side-by-side with Kim during the World War Two anniversary event in Beijing and held a separate bilateral meeting, their first in six years.

China is a major backer and an economic lifeline for North Korea.

Meanwhile, Kim earlier said there was no reason, opens new tab to avoid talks with the U.S. if Washington stopped insisting his country gave up nuclear weapons, but he would never abandon the nuclear arsenal to end sanctions.