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In a rare instance of Pyongyang using state media to threaten Beijing, the North Korean government issued the threat through commentary written by a person named Jong Phil, published by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).



Referring to its trade partner and only ally as a “country around the DPRK”, the commentary accused China of failing to criticise actions taken by Donald Trump’s administration, while continuing to take punitive measures against Pyongyang.

The commentary read: “Not a single word about the US act of pushing the situation on the Korean Peninsula to the brink of war after introducing its hugest-ever strategic assets to our waters is made.



“But such rhetoric as ‘necessary step’ and ‘reaction at decisive level’ is openly heard from a country around the DPRK to intimidate it over its measures for self-defence.”



The commentary continued: “Particularly, the country is talking rubbish that the DPRK has to reconsider the importance of relations with it, and that it can help preserve the security of the DPRK, and offer necessary support and aid for its economic prosperity, claiming the latter will not be able to survive the strict ‘economic sanctions’ by someone.”

GETTY North Korea accused China of "talking rubbish"

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The KCNA commentary also warned that China would face a catastrophe in its relationship with North Korea as long as it continued to apply sanctions in tandem with the US.



The commentary read: “If China keeps applying economic sanctions to the DPRK while dancing to the tune of the US after misjudging the will of the DPRK, it may be applauded by the enemies of the DPRK.



“But it should get itself ready to face the catastrophic consequences to its relations with the DPRK.”

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