Xi, Trump talk about peninsula

Two leaders agree to remain in touch and to work toward a resolution

China is firmly committed to achieving denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and upholding the international nuclear nonproliferation mechanism, President Xi Jinping told US President Donald Trump on Wednesday.

In a phone conversation, the two leaders exchanged views on the current peninsula situation.

Xi said China has always upheld the idea of securing peace and stability on the peninsula, as well as resolving the issue through dialogue and consultations.

Efforts should focus on diplomacy, a comprehensive use of policies and proactive exploring for solutions of long-term effect to move toward a peaceful settlement and resolution regarding the peninsula nuclear issue, Xi said.

Trump said the United States has great concerns about the current situation and it attaches great importance to the significant role of China in helping resolve the peninsula nuclear issue.

Washington would like to strengthen contacts with Beijing to find a solution that could resolve the peninsula nuclear issue at an early date, Trump said.

Speaking on China-US ties, Xi noted that the exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in various fields are progressing.

The two countries' teams, working on diplomacy and security, as well as their teams on the economy, maintain close contacts. The two countries are preparing for the first round of dialogue on social and cultural issues as well as the dialogue on law-enforcement and cyber security, Xi noted.

The Chinese side attaches great importance to the state visit to be paid by Trump before this year ends, and it is hoped that the teams of both sides make joint efforts and ensure the visit is a success, Xi said.

Trump said it is very important for he and President Xi to maintain close contacts and to strengthen coordination on major international and regional issues.

Trump said he looked forward to paying a state visit to China within this year and to meet with President Xi again.

zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily USA 09/07/2017 page1)