Pyongyang:North Korean officials have paid tribute at the Friendship Tower in Pyongyang in honor of fallen Chinese soldiers, as reported by state media on Monday. This event follows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's recent unexpected visit to Dandong, China.

According to Yonhap News Agency, senior officials, including Kim Hyong-sik, vice chairman of the Supreme People's Assembly standing committee, and Vice Foreign Minister Kim Myong-su, laid wreaths at the monument on Sunday. The ceremony marked the 76th anniversary of the Chinese People's Volunteers' entry into the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. Chinese embassy officials, including Qi Han, charge d'affaires ad interim, and a Chinese delegation led by Hong Zongming, vice minister of China's veterans affairs ministry, were also present.

In addition to the wreath-laying at Friendship Tower, tributes were conducted at cemeteries and graves of Chinese soldiers located in Anju, Hoechang County, Onsong County, and Kaesong. The Chinese side hosted a reception later that day to commemorate the anniversary.

The North Korean leader's trip to the Chinese border city of Dandong on Saturday was intended to underscore the longstanding alliance with China and to commemorate the anniversary. During his visit, Kim Jong-un paid respects at a war memorial dedicated to Chinese soldiers who participated in the Korean War, attended a banquet, and visited a bus factory.