The presidents of China and South Korea discussed the Korean Peninsula on the phone on Thursday. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping praised the efforts by the peninsula's two sides to improve their relationship. He said he appreciates the historic inter-Korean meeting and supports more talks to promote denuclearization and peace. 

Moon Jae-in thanked China for its role in the summit and for its work in helping to find a solution.

President Xi also spoke on the phone with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He noted that this year is the 40th anniversary of the China-Japan Peace and Friendship Treaty and said the two sides should do their best to manage their differences. 

The Chinese president also called on Japan to play a constructive role in resolving the Korean Peninsula issue through talks. Abe said he welcomes the positive steps on the peninsula and is willing to talk with China in the interest of peace and stability.  Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has wrapped up his two-day visit in Pyongyang. Wang Yi's visit comes just a few days after the historic meeting between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and DPRK's leader Kim Jong Un. Zhao Yunfei has more. 

A political handshake and a friendly hug. Chinese and DPRK officials concluded the latest meeting on further improving ties between the two nations.  Wang Yi, China's top diplomat, and the DPRK's leader Kim Jong Un, exchanged views on the Korean Peninsula situation.  Minister Wang, also state councillor, congratulated Kim on the success of the recent inter-Korean summit, which resulted in the so-called "epochal" Panmunjom Declaration. Kim says denuclearization is the country's ultimate goal.

KONG XUANYOU, CHINESE VICE FOREIGN MINISTER "There's been momentum for positive developments on the Korean Peninsula as of late. We believe such developments can help with political settlements and the management of tensions. Like other members of the international community, we welcome such developments." In a meeting with DPRK Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho, Wang Yi said Pyongyang had Beijing's full support. The Chinese Foreign Minister said he wants to see talks between the DPRK and the United States result in substantial progress.

HUA CHUNYING, SPOKESPERSON, CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY "China welcomes and supports any move that is conducive to promoting dialogue between the relevant parties on the Korean Peninsula and the efforts to promote the political settlement of the Peninsula issue." China continues to play a constructive role in improving the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

ZHAO YUNFEI, BEIJING "Dialogue and consultation. That's how China wants to achieve denuclearization on the peninsula, and some progress has been made. Kim Jong Un has been thankful to China, and so has Donald Trump. Now the Chinese government looks forward to an ultimate political solution to the Korean Peninsula issue. Zhao Yunfei, CGTN, Beijing."