Xi tells Trump China will work for peaceful solution to North Korea

Chinese President Xi Jinping told President Trump during a Wednesday phone call that Beijing will work toward a peaceful outcome to rising tensions with North Korea.

“China insists on realizing the denuclearization of the peninsula … and is willing to maintain communication and coordination with the American side over the issue on the peninsula,” Xi was quoted as saying by state media, according to reports.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said Wednesday that Trump initiated the call, adding greater cooperation is necessary for harmony on the Korean Peninsula.

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“We hope that the relevant parties do not irresponsible actions,” he told reporters, according to Reuters. “Under the current circumstances, this is very dangerous.”

Trump vowed Tuesday that the U.S. would take unilateral action against North Korea if China does not help curb its nuclear weapons testing.

“North Korea is looking for trouble,” he tweeted. “If China decides to help, that would be great. If not, we will solve the problem without them! U.S.A.”

The U.S. moved a Navy strike group toward the Korean Peninsula last weekend, intending to put pressure on North Korea over its aggressive missile program.

North Korea launched a Scud missile last week which went only a short distance before crashing into the sea east of the Korean Peninsula.