A report that Kim Jong Un instructed North Korean diplomats to “stop paying attention” to China’s opinions has shown a spotlight on possible tensions between the longtime allies, even as they celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

While unverified, the Joongang Ilbo report citing multiple anonymous sources adds to a growing body of evidence that Beijing isn’t thrilled with Pyongyang’s efforts to bolster military cooperation with Russia over the last year, as the DPRK pushes to reduce its reliance on its main economic benefactor.

For the U.S., the poor state