North Korea and China are showing signs they are trying to improve bilateral relations that have cooled following Pyongyang's fifth nuclear test last month, diplomatic sources said Sunday.

Observers said senior officials from the two countries took part to mark National Day that celebrates the founding of the People's Republic of China on Oct. 1, 1949.

The top envoys of the two countries took part in the celebratory events that took place in Pyongyang and Beijing, observers in the Chinese capital said. China's media outlets also said that there were unusually two events to mark National Day, a clear sign that the reclusive country wants to improve ties with its main ally

"In one event held late last week over 100 people representing the North's ruling party, government and military were present, as well as China's ambassador to North Korea," Xinhua News Agency said.

Media reports said that both the North Korea and Chinese envoys stressed the importance of strong traditional ties and praised the other side for achieving social and economic progress.

In particular, Li Jinjun, Beijing's top diplomat to the North, congratulated the communist partner, claiming that the country led by Kim Jong-un has made satisfactory progress in various fields, and that China praises the positive changes made so far. He then said by further strengthening ties, the two sides can work together to promote peace and security not only on the Korean Peninsula but in the rest of the world as well.

The action taken by the neighbors, which have gone through rocky patches ever since the North openly pursued its own nuclear program, comes as the global community and the United Nations is considering slapping more stringent sanctions on the North for its Sept. 9 nuclear test, and threat to pre-emptively strike South Korea and the United States with nukes.

Observers have hinted that Beijing may be highlighting that it can reforge strong ties with the North as a counterbalance against Seoul's move to set up an advanced U.S. antimissile shield on its soil, which it sees as conflicting with its core national interest.

Closer ties between Beijing and Pyongyang can additionally impede efforts for stronger sanctions against the North at the United Nations Security Council since China can exercise its veto power and block any attempt to seriously hurt Pyongyang. (Yonhap)