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China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with North Korean Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Pak Myong Ho in Beijing following North Korea’s missile test.

In a readout, Wang Yi reaffirmed China’s commitment to their alliance, stating, “China always views its ties with North Korea from a strategic and long-term perspective,” and expressed a desire to “strengthen two-way communication and coordination while deepening exchanges and cooperation.” The discussions included North Korean ambassador Ri Ryong-nam and focused on “issues of common concern,” though specific details weren’t disclosed.

Pak Myong Ho emphasized North Korea’s intent to bolster multilateral ties with China to “safeguard common interests” and “maintain regional peace and stability.”

This meeting comes amidst North Korea’s escalated missile testing, including a long-range missile and a short-range ballistic missile. Pyongyang’s actions, including the recent arrival of a US nuclear-powered submarine in South Korea, have been criticized by North Korea as “a preview of a nuclear war.”

In response to the escalating situation, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin urged dialogue and cautioned against military solutions, stating, “Attempts to solve the problem through military deterrence and pressure will not work. They will only backfire, further intensifying contradictions and tension.”