President Park Geun-hye met with China’s top legislator Zhang Dejiang Thursday over ways to enhance bilateral ties and denuclearize North Korea, Cheong Wa Dae said.
No details of their conversation were immediately available.
Presidential spokesman Min Kyung-wook said before the meeting that Park was expected to discuss with Zhang on how to deepen relations between the two neighbors as well as how to deal with North Korea’s nuclear program.
The meeting came as North Korea is apparently making progress in its nuclear and missile programs.
South Korea and the United States have asked China to pressure North Korea to give up its nuclear program. The North has vowed to develop its economy and nuclear arsenal in tandem.
China is believed to have significant leverage over North Korea, which has long been dependent on Chinese diplomatic support and economic aid.
Some, however, question China’s influence on North Korea.
Zhang, who ranks third in China’s ruling Communist Party hierarchy, was also scheduled to meet with National Assembly speaker Chung Eui-hwa and Kim Moo-sung, head of the ruling Saenuri Party. (Yonhap)
