S. Korea expects China to play 'constructive' role over Xi's visit to N. Korea

SEOUL, June 5 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean foreign ministry said Friday that it expects China to play a "constructive role" in addressing issues related to the Korean Peninsula ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's planned visit to North Korea.

Earlier in the day, North Korea and China announced that Xi will pay a two-day state visit to North Korea starting Monday at the invitation of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

"The government hopes that exchanges between North Korea and China will take place in a way that contributes to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and expects China to play a constructive role in addressing issues related to the Korean Peninsula," the ministry said in a statement.

"We are maintaining close communication with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels on matters related to the Korean Peninsula," it added.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (L) shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of their talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Sept. 4, 2025, in this file photo released by the North's official Korean Central News Agency the next day. Kim visited the Chinese capital to attend a military parade marking the 80th anniversary the previous day of Japan's surrender and the end of World War II. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)