Xi brings ASEAN into discussion on Korean Peninsula

China would like ASEAN to play a positive role in maintaining regional peace and stability, President Xi Jinping told Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte while discussing the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue over the phone on Wednesday.

Analysts said it's quite rare for Xi to discuss the Korean Peninsula nuclear situation with a leader of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, showing that the issue has influenced not just the peninsula, but also the whole Asia-Pacific region.

Xi said China is dedicated to achieving the goal of the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, maintaining peace and stability of the peninsula, and resolving problems through dialogue and consultation.