China's exports to Russia in October rose 24.4% from a year earlier, the fastest pace since November last year, Chinese customs data showed on Thursday, as Beijing affirmed strong ties with Moscow.

American agencies have assessed that China dislikes the growing partnership between Russia and North Korea. The State Department has raised the troop issue with Chinese diplomats.

"We believe that the DPRK [Democratic People's Republic of Korea] has sent around 10,000 soldiers in total to train in eastern Russia," Deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh said.

The strengthening ties between Russia and North Korea are not only a threat to European security, but also for the United States, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said on Thursday. "Russia is deliver