Chinese leader Xi Jinping told South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on Monday that he wants to expand cooperation with South Korea and for the two countries to jointly address challenges, Reuters reported.
The South Korean head of state asked for Beijing's help in resuming Seoul's talks with North Korea, BTA reports.
Lee Jae-myung met with Xi and had dinner with him after an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders' forum in South Korea. It is Xi's first visit to US ally South Korea in 11 years.
Beijing attaches great importance to relations with Seoul and views South Korea as a cooperative partner, Xi said before his meeting with the South Korean leader.
Yi Jae-myung, who was elected president in a snap election in June, has pledged to strengthen ties with the US while not showing hostility towards China and reducing tensions with North Korea.
"I hope South Korea and China will take advantage of the favorable conditions to strengthen strategic communication and resume dialogue with North Korea," the South Korean president also said.