South Korean and Chinese leaders said they were hoping for better ties after a disagreement over the deployment of a US missile defense system, which Beijing considers a threat.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in told Chinese President Xi Jinping that although the parties may have been disappointed with each other"for some time, their common culture and history did not allow them to completely separate themselves from each other.

Moon Jae-in noted that Seoul appreciates the role that China played in efforts to normalize relations with Pyongyang, but added that the current situation not only favorable for South Korea and China, but also for North Korea. 

Xi Jinping expressed concern over the growing tension between North Korea and the US, and urged them to maintain momentum for dialogue.

According to him, there are many people concerned about the tense situation on the Korean peninsula.

China and South Korea must come together to help North Korea and the US maintain a momentum for dialogue, he added.