China has fiercely opposed the so-called alliance decision, which ended up damaging bilateral ties diplomatically and politically.

In response, Kang expressed hope that China will make more efforts to normalize its relations with South Korea, added the official.

On denuclearizing Korea, the Chinese minister said an improvement in inter-Korean relations and Pyongyang-Washington ties is expected to lead to permanent peace in the region.

Wang reaffirmed Beijing's support for the two Koreas' pursuit of declaring a formal end to the Korean War.

Kang stressed that her government will continue a push for a consensus among all parties involved, as Washington wants to see more denuclearization steps first.

The issue of international sanctions on Pyongyang was not raised in the talks, though, the official said on background.

Wang had a separate meeting with the North's Foreign Minister, Ri Yong-ho, here earlier in the day. (Yonhap)