N Korea sacking Pyongyang's 'internal affair': China

North Korea's key ally China today described the sacking of the powerful uncle of Kim Jong-Un as Pyongyang's "internal affair".
"It is the internal affair of the DPRK," foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters at a regular briefing, using the official name for the North.
"As a friendly neighbour of the DPRK we hope to see national stability, economic development and people's happiness in the DPRK.
"China will stay committed to promoting the traditionally friendly relationship of cooperation with the DPRK."
China is North Korea's sole major ally and key economic benefactor, but has grown increasingly frustrated with its pursuit of a nuclear deterrent.

The dismissed uncle, Jang Song-Thaek, was once seen as his nephew's mentor and the power behind the throne, but has been accused of being a corrupt, drug-using womaniser in a move analysts said cements Kim's grip on power.