North Korea, China mark 75 years of close ties as others question relationship

Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in 2019 (Ju Peng/Xinhua via AP, File)

The leaders of North Korea and China marked the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations on Sunday by exchanging messages that expressed hopes for stronger ties.

The message exchange came as North Korea and Russia have been sharply expanding their cooperation while China keeps its distance.