The relationship between Pyongyang and Beijing is showing signs of major strain, as Pyongyang accuses Beijing of treachery for their resistance to sign a treaty and their stance on the North’s nuclear program.

Axar.az reports citing to Sputnik in commentary published Wednesday by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KNCA), one Kim Chol scolded China for “crossing the red line” and agreeing to level stricter sanctions against North Korea, saying there would be "grave" consequences for Beijing’s "reckless remarks."

China, previously North Korea’s chief ally and main trading partner, in February halted coal imports from Pyongyang in compliance with sanctions leveled by the United Nations, and called for Pyongyang to halt its nuclear weapons and missile tests.

"China should no longer try to test the limits of the DPRK's patience," Kim’s commentary reads. "China had better ponder over the grave consequences to be entailed by its reckless act of chopping down the pillar of DPRK [Democratic People's Republic of Korea]-China relations."

The piece also said that the DPRK "will never beg for Beijing's friendship, risking its nuclear program which is as precious as its own life, no matter how valuable the friendship is,” according to Korea Joongang Daily.

South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency quoted a unification ministry official as saying "North Korea seemed to show its frustrations as China shows signs of joining international sanctions … Pyongyang needs to pay attention to this message."