Leader lauds ties with Beijing

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 yesterday.

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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.

South Korea's military said the North appeared to have been conducting “rehearsals mobilising equipment and missiles” and that there was a “high chance" that the parade would be held.

“North Korea is expected to get about 1mm of rain per hour starting late afternoon, so the parade should still be possible — though the weather may affect any planned air power displays,” a defence ministry official told reporters.