Beijing stands ready to carry forward the traditional relationship with Pyongyang in the new era and jointly safeguard the fundamental interests of the two peoples as well as the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday.

Developing long-term traditional relationship with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is China's firm choice and also conforms to the interests of both countries, Wang said at a news conference on the sidelines of the annual legislative session.

He recalled the four meetings between President Xi Jinping and the DPRK top leader Kim Jong-un in less than a year, a record in the 70 years of bilateral ties.

China supports the DPRK in exploring a new development path, carrying out a strategy to develop its economy and improve people's livelihood, and upholding the direction of the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula while addressing its concerns, he said.