Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi spoke by phone Tuesday with his U.S. and South Korean counterparts to exchange views on the death of Kim Jong Il, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the current situation on the Korean Peninsula.

In separate phone conversations with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and South Korean Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan, 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.

(Source: Xinhua)