China is willing to provide food aid and assistance to North Korea to help it deal with an ongoing drought, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Thursday.

Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang made the comments during a daily press briefing in which he was asked whether or not China was aware of reports of a worsening drought in the DPRK.

“We have noticed relevant reports, our condolences go to North Korea that is suffering a serious drought,” Kang said.

“We hope that the DPRK government and people will overcome the disaster. China is willing to provide assistance in accordance with the DPRK