U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has held top-level talks in China in an attempt to tighten an economic squeeze on North Korea.
Tillerson met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and President Xi Jinping. He also met China’s top diplomat, State Councillor Yang Jiechi.
The meeting took place on the day that China’s top leaders led a ceremony to commemorate Martyrs’ Day, a day ahead of the 68th anniversary of the founding of the country.
The United States sees China as critical to averting military confrontation with Pyongyang which is continuing with its plans to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of reaching the U.S.
Tillerson’s meetings come ahead of an expected official visit by President Trump in November.
Earlier this week Beijing ordered North Korean-owned businesses and ventures with Chinese partners to close by early January. China has also banned imports of North Korean coal, iron and lead ore, and seafood since early September.