The reclusive communist state reported its first coronavirus flare-up in Pyongyang on Thursday after several patients tested positive for the stealthy Omicron BA.2 variant over the weekend.
"As the DPRK’s comrade, neighbour and friend, China is ready to go all-out to provide support and assistance to the DPRK in fighting the virus," Zhao told a daily briefing, referring to North Korea by its official name.
North Korea sealed its borders at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 and rejected the offer of vaccines. Pyongyang said it was moving into a state of "maximum emergency."