Russia, "Russia and China are divided" over the observation of "complaints about North Korea's close ties."

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov denied speculation that complaints were detected in China regarding Russia's close ties with North Korea.

According to Tas news agency and others, Lavrov told reporters at the "Sir Baniyas International Peace and Security Forum" held in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the 15th local time and said, "I have never protested in China over relations with North Korea."

"I don't know what and what calculations are behind these observations, but I think they are trying to alienate the Russia-China relationship," he said.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, North Korea has sent missiles and other weapons to Russia and recently sent troops, and Western analysts say China will be uncomfortable with this close stance.