We start in Beijing where Chinese President Xi Jinping has met with DPRK Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho. The Chinese leader said there have been positive changes on the Korean Peninsula since the start of this year. He called on the United States and DPRK to take account of each other's legitimate concerns so that the peace process can move forward. He said China will continue to support efforts by Pyongyang and Seoul to improve relations. Ri Yong Ho also held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Our reporter Wu Guoxiu has more.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi welcomed the DPRK's Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho at Beijing's iconic Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. Ri is on a three-day visit to China, which began Thursday. Wang Yi says 2018 has been an extraordinary year for ties between the two neighbors. President Xi Jinping and Chairman King Jong Un met three times, pushing bilateral relations to what the foreign ministry called a "new historical stage".

WANG YI CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER "With efforts from both China and the DPRK, along with other relevant parties, the situation on the Korean Peninsula is easing. The peninsula issue has returned to the path of a political solution. This meets the common wishes of multiple parties, including the DPRK."

Wang says China hopes the DPRK and the United States will maintain their dialogue, and deal with each other's concerns in a balanced manner to achieve targets identified in their joint declarations. The foreign minister also voiced his support for the ongoing communication and cooperation between South Korea and the DPRK.

Ri, meanwhile, had high praise for China's efforts in pushing a political solution to inter-Korean disputes, which he said kept pace with changes to the situation on the ground. The top DPRK diplomat said he'd continue to coordinate with China to maintain peace on the peninsula, and in the region as a whole.

RI YONG HO DPRK FOREIGN MINISTER "This year-end meeting can serve to wrap up our bilateral ties in 2018, and gives us the chance to make plans for next year."

Wang Yi says China supports the DPRK in choosing its own development path, maintaining stability and developing its economy. He stressed that both sides should maintain high-level communication and continue working to further strengthen the relationship.

WU GUOXIU BEIJING "It's the fifth time that Chinese and DPRK's foreign ministers meet within this year. As the two countries are going to celebrate their 70th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties next year, China vows to continue to work with DPRK to maintain long-term peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Wu Guoxiu, CGTN, Beijing."