DHAKA: China and South Korea have reaffirmed their opposition to North Korean nuclear tests during a visit by Chinese president Xi Jinping which is being seen as a snub to the North.

It is the first time a Chinese leader has visited Seoul before Pyongyang.

South Korean president Park Geun-hye said both countries agreed that the North’s denuclearisation should be ‘realised by all means’.

The statement follows a series of missile tests by North Korea, reports the BBC.

Xi’s visit comes a day after North Korea fired short-range rockets into the sea. Last year, North Korea carried out its third nuclear test and there are reports that it could be planning a fourth.

At a joint press conference with Park, Xi said denuclearisation was a common goal, and must be achieved through dialogue and negotiation.

He called on the six countries involved in the North’s nuclear talks to resume negotiations.

South Korea and Beijing differ on how to stop the North’s nuclear program. Seoul would like Beijing to do more to pressure Pyongyang, but Beijing has prioritised stability and encouraged all parties to return to talks without pre-conditions.

BDST: 2117 HRS, JULY 03, 2014