A senior official of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Saturday hailed China's successful launch of a third manned spacecraft, calling it a demonstration of national power.

The Chinese have overcome serious natural disasters, successfully held the Beijing Olympics and launched the manned Shenzhou-7 spacecraft this year, noted Yang Hyong Sop, vice president of the Presidium of the DPRK's Supreme People's Assembly.

All these demonstrate the national power of China and reflect a high spirit of patriotism, Yang said at a reception held here by the Chinese Embassy to mark the 59th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

He said consolidating and developing DPRK-China friendship was the persistent goal of his country.

The DPRK-China friendship, which is rooted in the hearts of the two peoples, will be further enhanced and boosted under the care of the leaders of the two sides, he added.

Over 160 DPRK officials, foreign diplomats and representatives of international organizations attended the reception.

Liu Xiaoming, China's ambassador to the DPRK, told assembled guests that his country had undergone tremendous changes and made remarkable achievements over the past 59 years, especially since the adoption of the reform and opening-up policy 30 years ago.

All these successes have shown that socialism with Chinese characteristics is the right path to follow to take his nation to prosperity, democracy, modernity and harmony, the ambassador added.

Under the direct care and instruction of the top leaders of the two countries, China's cooperation with the DPRK has made new and remarkable progress in various fields, said Liu.

China will continue to work with the DPRK to further consolidate the friendship between the two peoples, and continue to enrich the friendly and cooperative bilateral relationship, Liu added.

(Xinhua News Agency September 27, 2008)