China’s responds to Russian defence minister’s visit to North Korea: "It is their own business"

China has responded to the visit of Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), stating that the interaction between Moscow and Pyongyang is a matter for the two countries to handle independently.

Mao Ning, the spokesperson for Chinese Foreign Ministry, made this statement during a briefing, noting that both Russia and the DPRK are sovereign and independent states, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

"Russia and the DPRK are sovereign and independent countries, and bilateral exchanges between them are their own business," Mao Ning said.

She further clarified that she was unaware of the details surrounding Belousov's visit and reiterated China’s consistent stance on the Ukraine crisis.

Belousov arrived in North Korea on November 29.

The Russian minister will participate in meetings with the military and political leadership of the DPRK.

Belousov's visit to Pyongyang comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin's state visit to the country in June, where Russia formally deepened its military and economic cooperation with Pyongyang.

By Vafa Guliyeva