Xi discusses Korean developments with Seoul envoy

World
Europe

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Chung Eui-yong, the top security adviser to Republic of Korea President Moon Jae-in, in Beijing on Monday to discuss developments on the Korean Peninsula situation.

Chung is in the Chinese capital to brief officials on his recent trips to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the White House, where he announced that US President Donald Trump had accepted an invitation for a meeting with DPRK leader Kim Jong Un.

Xi said he appreciated that the ROK had sent a special envoy to brief China on the visits and the progress in promoting DPRK-US dialogue.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Republic of Korea National Security Adviser Chung Eui-Yong and South Korean Ambassador to China Noh Young-min at the Great Hall of The People in Beijing, March 12, 2018. /Reuters Photo

He said Chung had achieved "positive results" in his visits to the DPRK and the US that had led to the diplomatic breakthrough.

China is ready to work with the international community, including S. Korea, to promote the political settlement of the Peninsula issue with China’s "dual-track" approach, Xi said.

The dual-track approach aims to promote parallel progress in the denuclearization of the peninsula and the establishment of a peace mechanism in a synchronized and reciprocal manner.

Xi urged all parties involved to maintain patience and carefulness, to use political wisdom, and to properly handle and resolve various issues and interference in the process of resuming talks.

Chung thanked the Chinese president for his "big role" in the diplomatic process that has set up a historic summit between Trump and Kim. No date or venue has been set for the summit though Trump has indicated it should take place by the end of May.

"The situation on the Korean peninsula has recently undergone very positive changes," the ROK envoy told Xi at the Great Hall of the People. "President Moon Jae-in believes that the leadership of the Chinese government, especially the leadership ability of President Xi, has played a big role in this."

Chung said Xi's "unwavering" commitment to the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and a peaceful settlement played a "significant" part in recent developments.

"We are very grateful to China for its consistent position," he said. "Once again, we expect that China will continue to play an active and leading role and the South Korean government will continue to coordinate closely with China."