North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un hailed "friendly and cooperative" ties with China as he hosted Premier Li Qiang and other foreign dignitaries for celebrations marking 80 years under the ruling Workers' Party, state media reported Friday.

China is North Korea's most important ally, although relations have at times been strained by Pyongyang's nuclear programme.

North Korea is expected to stage a massive military parade on Friday, showcasing its latest advanced weaponry, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

The celebrations come as Kim has been emboldened by the war in Ukraine, securing critical support from Russia after sending thousands of North Korean troops to fight alongside Moscow's forces. Russia's former president Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of its Security Cou

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