Wang, on a two-day visit to North Korea, said Beijing and Pyongyang should enhance communication “in the face of a turbulent and complex international situation,” according to a statement from China’s foreign ministry.

The visit marks a renewed push to strengthen bilateral relations following a period of limited exchanges during the COVID-19 pandemic, and comes as North Korea has also expanded engagement with Russia.

North Korean state media said Kim emphasized the importance of intensifying exchanges at multiple levels, describing closer ties as essential for safeguarding shared interests.

The report confirmed the meeting and highlighted mutual commitments to expand cooperation.Wang also held talks with his North Korean counterpart, pledging to build on what he described as positive momentum in relations and to advance practical cooperation between the two countries.

The diplomatic engagement comes ahead of a planned visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to China next month.

Trump has previously indicated interest in resuming dialogue with Kim, raising the prospect of renewed diplomatic activity on the Korean Peninsula.

Wang, on a two-day visit to the diplomatically isolated state his first since 2019 said the two countries should enhance communication on major international and regional issues while safeguarding their respective sovereignty and security interests, according to Chinese state media.

“China is willing to work with North Korea to maintain close communication and interaction, promote practical cooperation, and infuse new contemporary meaning into the traditional friendship,” Wang said, as reported by Xinhua.

The visit follows the resumption of transport links between the neighbors after pandemic-related disruptions, signaling a broader effort to restore economic and diplomatic engagement. China remains North Korea’s largest trading partner and a crucial source of economic and political support.

Wang’s trip comes amid renewed efforts by Donald Trump’s administration to revive high-level talks with Pyongyang, with discussions potentially leading to a summit later this year, including during a possible Trump visit to Beijing in May.

The meeting underscores Beijing’s continued role in shaping regional dynamics on the Korean Peninsula at a time of heightened diplomatic activity involving major powers.

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a regular news briefing that China is willing to work with North Korea to enhance exchanges and advance what she described as “traditional friendly and cooperative relations” between the two neighbors.

The visit comes as Beijing signals continued engagement with Pyongyang amid a complex regional security environment, where diplomatic alignments remain under close scrutiny.

Mao did not provide further details on the itinerary or specific agenda of Wang’s visit, but reiterated China’s commitment to maintaining stable and constructive ties with North Korea.

China has historically been North Korea’s closest ally and largest trading partner, playing a key role in diplomatic efforts on the Korean Peninsula.

The latest visit reflects ongoing efforts by Beijing to sustain high-level dialogue and reinforce its influence in the region.

Wang Yi has led a flurry of outreach, holding discussions with counterparts across the Middle East and Europe while advocating a ceasefire and reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Beijing has also opposed a United Nations proposal backed by Bahrain that could authorize force to ensure maritime transit through the strait.

Analysts say the diplomatic push reflects China’s broader ambition to project itself as a responsible global power. Sun Yun of the Stimson Center said the conflict presents an opportunity for Beijing to demonstrate leadership, while former U.S. diplomat Danny Russel described the initiative as largely symbolic, comparing it to China’s earlier proposals on Ukraine that lacked implementation.

“It’s messaging, not mediation,” Russel said, arguing that China is seeking to contrast its approach with Washington’s.The administration of Donald Trump has shown limited enthusiasm for third-party mediation, with U.S. officials indicating reluctance to elevate China’s diplomatic role in the Middle East.

One official described Washington’s stance on the China-Pakistan proposal as “agnostic,” though the position could shift ahead of a planned summit between Trump and Xi Jinping expected in mid-May.Beijing has an economic incentive to contain the conflict, particularly disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global energy flows.

While China has reduced its reliance on Iranian oil to about 13 percent of imports and maintains strategic reserves, analysts warn that prolonged instability could raise input costs and weaken global demand for Chinese exports.

China has also worked to secure safe passage for its vessels through the strait, even as tensions have driven up energy prices worldwide. At the same time, Beijing’s position aligns with Moscow’s opposition to measures that could expand the conflict, with both countries wary of endorsing force through the United Nations Security Council.

Diplomatic activity has intensified in recent days, with Wang engaging officials from countries including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Israel, France and the United Arab Emirates. He has also sought backing from European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and regional leaders for China’s ceasefire proposal.

China’s embassy in Washington said Beijing has been working “tirelessly for peace,” while analysts note that its approach emphasizes calls for de-escalation, respect for international law and a greater role for the United Nations.

However, U.S. officials say the proposal lacks operational detail, describing it as a broad appeal rather than a concrete roadmap for ending the conflict. The muted response from Washington underscores broader strategic competition between the two powers, limiting the prospects for coordinated diplomacy.

Meanwhile, efforts at the United Nations continue, with Bahrain revising its proposal to authorize defensive measures to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with a vote expected in the coming days.

The statement came following a positive and forward-looking phone conversation between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, where both sides emphasized the importance of communication, respect, and collaboration to advance mutual interests and global stability.

During the conversation, Minister Wang Yi expressed that it is natural for two major nations like China and the UK to have differences in opinions.

However, he stressed that these should not overshadow the overall trajectory of cooperation, nor hinder the shared goal of contributing to peace and progress worldwide.

He encouraged both sides to handle disagreements with wisdom and diplomacy, reaffirming that mutual understanding and constructive dialogue are the cornerstones of healthy bilateral relations.

The discussion focused on strengthening strategic communication and exploring practical avenues to expand cooperation in trade, education, science, and environmental protection.

Both ministers highlighted the value of maintaining people-to-people exchanges and cultural understanding to foster stronger ties between the Chinese and British societies.

Wang Yi emphasized that consistent dialogue and trust are vital to ensuring a balanced and long-term partnership.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging China’s growing global role and the importance of a stable, forward-looking relationship between London and Beijing.

Both leaders agreed that their nations share many common goals, including addressing climate change, fostering global economic growth, and contributing to regional and international peace.

They also emphasized the importance of ensuring that bilateral cooperation remains grounded in equality, mutual benefit, and respect for each nation’s sovereignty.

The call underscored the readiness of both countries to “meet halfway” in resolving issues of mutual concern. Although specific topics were not disclosed, the spirit of collaboration and dialogue was evident.

This renewed diplomatic effort reflects a broader recognition that, in an interconnected world, challenges such as climate change, global trade stability, and public health require cooperative action rather than confrontation.

China and the UK have long maintained dynamic economic and cultural relations. The two sides have built strong trade partnerships, with Britain being one of China’s key trading partners in Europe.

The ongoing commitment to maintaining open channels of communication demonstrates the countries’ determination to overcome differences and focus on long-term opportunities for growth.

Wang Yi also emphasized that China remains committed to engaging with the United Kingdom in tackling shared global challenges, including environmental sustainability, technological innovation, and public health resilience.

He highlighted that constructive engagement benefits not only both countries but also contributes to global harmony and development.

The phone conversation between Wang Yi and Yvette Cooper serves as a positive signal to the international community, reaffirming that even amid occasional disagreements, diplomatic maturity and cooperation can prevail.

By promoting steady dialogue and mutual respect, China and the UK are paving the way for deeper collaboration that can set an example for other global partnerships.

As both nations continue to navigate an evolving global landscape, their relationship will play a critical role in fostering economic growth, encouraging cultural exchange, and contributing to peace and stability.

With their combined global influence, China and the UK have the potential to shape international progress and promote shared prosperity through open dialogue, respect, and cooperation.

The reaffirmation of commitment to dialogue marks an optimistic chapter in China-UK relations, one characterized by pragmatism, respect, and shared responsibility toward a stable and interconnected world.