"We are having close coordination with the US on major issues such as the THAAD deployment, a series of actions taken by China following that decision, and North Korea's nuclear problem," Cho June-hyuck, foreign ministry spokesman, told a regular press briefing.

"In particular, sharing the idea that China's role is more important than anything else in denuclearizing the North, the two are in constant and close consultation," he added.

The spokesman also said that the Trump-Xi summit will serve as an important chance in efforts to resolve the nuclear stalemate, citing US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's recent visit to Seoul during which he placed emphasis on China's role in applying more pressure on the North. (Yonhap)