China's new ambassador to North Korea takes up post - ministry

China's new ambassador to North Korea, Wang Yajun, arrived there on Monday, the Chinese foreign ministry said.

Spokesperson Mao Ning said relations between China and North Korea had entered "a new historic period" in recent years and continued to develop under the "strategic leadership" of both countries.

"We believe that Ambassador Wang Yajun will play an important role in promoting the development of traditional friendly and cooperative relations between China and the DPRK," Mao said.