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

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.