김정은, 시진핑에 답전…"북중친선, 높은 단계로 강화할 것"

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has vowed to further develop his regime's relationship with China and support their joint efforts to defend socialism.
According to the North's state-run media Wednesday, Kim's pledge was made in an exchange of letters with Chinese President Xi Jinping to mark the 72nd anniversary of North Korea's foundation.
Kim also praised Xi and the Chinese Communist Party for successfully combating COVID-19.
Watchers note Kim's friendly tone comes as the North is grappling with multiple challenges, including the virus and recent typhoons.