On December 20, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi held separate phone conversations with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and ROK Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan, to exchange views on the passing of Kim Jong Il, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the current situation on the Korean Peninsula.

Yang said safeguarding peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula serves the common interests of all parties and China is ready to work with them toward that end.

Agreeing on the importance of maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula, both Clinton and Kim said their countries will maintain close communication and coordination with China in this regard.

Yang also said China is ready to enhance dialogue and cooperation with the United States and the ROK to advance bilateral ties with both countries in the new year.

Both Clinton and Kim expressed the wish to promote relations between their countries and China.