China following developments closely after death of North Korean leader's half-brother Kim Jong Nam

Beijing : China on Thursday said it was closely following the events following the death of Kim Jong-nam, the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

"We are aware of relevant reports and will continue to keep an eye on any developments," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency. 

The North Korean embassy in Malaysia confirmed that a 46-year-old man holding a North Korean passport under the name Kim Chol was Kim Jong-nam, according to local reports that quoted Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Kim requested help at Kuala Lumpur International Airport terminal two after feeling unwell on Monday. He died on way to hospital.

Malaysian police have arrested three suspects -- a 26-year-old male Malaysian, a female bearing an Indonesian passport, and a female holding a Vietnamese passport -- in its investigation.

Asked whether Kim's death would affect relations between China and the North, Geng said the two countries are friendly neighbours and have a tradition of friendly exchanges.