A new Chinese ambassador has arrived in North Korea as the two longtime allies seek to strengthen ties to counter growing security cooperation between the United States, Japan and South Korea.

 North Korea's borders have been closed since March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, but authorities appear to have made an exception by allowing ambassador Wang Yajun to enter the country in late March, with the exception of Pyongyang and Beijing. It emphasizes close relationships.

 Chinese state media wrote that Mr Wang's arrival in North Korea took place "amid rising tensions on the Korean peninsula caused by US military activity on the peninsula". Similarly, a senior member of China's UN delegation said at a recent Security Council briefing that the US' "tactics of deterrence and pressure have further entrenched anxiety in North Korea."