China’s leadership has expressed support toward a North Korea led by Kim Jong-un, the third son and heir apparent of the late North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.

China’s state-run CCTV said four key organizations representing China’s Communist Party, government and military sent a message of condolence to the North over Kim’s death on Monday.

The message said China's leaders are confident that the North Korean people will unite under the leadership of Kim Jong-un, and turn sadness into strength to build a powerful socialist country and make advancements toward establishing long-term peace on the Korean Peninsula.

The message went on to say that it is the consistent policy of China’s Communist Party and the government to maintain its friendly relations with the North as neighbors sharing a border. The message said the Chinese people will always stand by the side of the North Korean people.