China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi and a senior North Korean official met on Monday, and agreed to strengthen ties ahead of the 75th anniversary of their countries' diplomatic relations next year.

China's foreign ministry says Wang met with North Korean vice foreign minister Pak Myong Ho in Beijing.

Wang said China and North Korea consistently support and trust each other in the face of significant changes in the international landscape.

Wang added that China views its ties with North Korea from a long-term perspective and wants to enhance communication and cooperation between the two countries.

In response, Pak stressed that North Korea aims to use the anniversary year to consolidate the "brotherly friendship" between the two countries, as well as to safeguard common interests and to maintain regional peace and stability.

China and North Korea plan to hold ceremonial events to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

North Korea fired ballistic missiles on Sunday and Monday, stepping up its confrontational stance against the security cooperation among Japan, the United States and South Korea.

Through the latest diplomats' meeting, North Korea appears to have demonstrated its close ties with China, which backs the country.