Update at 1845 KST: A spokesperson for China's foreign ministry responded to the criticism at a press briefing on Wednesday afternoon.

“China’s stance on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula has been consistent and clear. And China’s stance on developing China – DPRK’s good friendship also has been consistent and clear,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said. “China has always upheld an objective and impartial position and judged and dealt with the relevant issues according to the right and the wrong over the years.”