China’s diplomat for Korean affairs emphasized the importance of a political settlement between the two Koreas on Wednesday, calling for Seoul to address Pyongyang’s concerns in the process.

South Korea’s top nuclear envoy Noh Kyu-duk and China’s special representative for Korean affairs Liu Xiaoming held a virtual meeting on the day and discussed Pyongyang’s recent missile tests and “future responses,” among other issues, according to South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

“Stressing that the legitimate and reasonable concerns of the DPRK should be addressed with greater attention, Amb. Liu encouraged the ROK and the DPRK to improve relations and