The leaders of Japan and China have agreed to communicate closely on how to respond to North Korea after the death of its long-time ruler.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and Chinese President Hu Jintao met in Beijing on Monday.

Noda said Kim Jong Il's death should not have a negative impact on peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. He said the role of China is important as the chair of the six-party talks and as the North's strongest ally. He said China can also help resolve past abductions of Japanese by North Korea.

Hu said both China and Japan as well as the rest of the world wish for peace and stability on the peninsula.

He said China will work to restart the nuclear talks and bring an end to North Korea's nuclear program through dialogue and cooperation.

Hu said China wants to contribute to long-term stability in the region.

Source: http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20111226_19.html

Image credit: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2011-12/26/131327670_11n.jpg