Nong Rong, China's assistant minister of foreign affairs, on Saturday expressed serious concern and dissatisfaction to Ambassador of the Republic of Korea (ROK) to China Chung Jae-ho over the ROK's "inappropriate" response to Chinese envoy's meeting with Lee Jae-myung, chairman of the main opposition Democratic Party.

"It is the responsibility of Ambassador Xing Haiming to have extensive contacts and exchanges with people from all walks of life in the ROK, and the purpose is to enhance understanding, promote cooperation and advance China-ROK ties," Nong was quoted as saying in a statement published on the Foreign Ministry's website on Sunday.

"We hope that the ROK can reflect on the current problems in the China-ROK relations and take them seriously, earnestly abide by the spirit of the joint communique on the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the ROK, and work with China to make positive efforts for the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations," Nong said.

(With input from Xinhua)