China’s official news agency Xinhua quoted Chinese Premier Li Qiang during a meeting with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui in Beijing yesterday, saying that China is ready to enhance strategic communication with North Korea.

Li added that China is prepared to continue strengthening coordination with North Korea to better protect their shared interests.

Earlier, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi received Choe following weeks after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s visit to China aimed at solidifying bilateral relations between the two countries.