Xi exchanges views with Macron over Korean Peninsula, bilateral ties

BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday held a telephone conversation with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, on the Korean Peninsula issue, stressing China's insistence that the peninsula be denuclearized.

Xi said China has been adamant in denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula, preserving the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, and maintaining peace and stability in Northeast Asia.

Only a peaceful settlement through dialogue and negotiation can resolve the nuclear issue, Xi said, expressing hope that France, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, would play a constructive role in easing the situation and restarting dialogue.

For his part, Macron said his country has been committed to maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and attached importance to China's stance and role in solving the issue.

Macron said he is willing to enhance cooperation with China to push for a proper settlement of the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.