BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- A Foreign Ministry spokesman on Thursday confirmed that China sent a message of congratulation to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on the birthday of its top leader Kim Jong Un.

"China and the DPRK are friendly neighbors and enjoy a long-standing tradition of friendly exchanges," said spokesman Hong Lei at a regular press briefing.

China wishes the DPRK people new achievements in national economic and social development under the leadership of Kim, first secretary of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, said Hong.

In the new year, China will push for further development of bilateral relations in the spirit of "inheriting tradition, facing up to the future, good neighborliness, friendship and cooperation", he said.