South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is seeking Chinese President Xi Jinping's help in efforts to resume talks with nuclear-armed neighbour North Korea while Xi told Lee he was willing to widen co-operation and jointly tackle the challenges they face.

Lee hosted Xi at a state summit and dinner after an Asia-Pacific leaders' forum in the South Korean city of Gyeongju, marking Xi's first visit to the country in 11 years.

China attaches great importance to relations with South Korea and views it as an inseparable co-operative partner, Xi said ahead of the summit according to Lee's office.

Lee, who was elected president in a snap election in June, has promised to strengthen ties with the United States while not antagonising China and seeking to reduce tensions with the North.

"I am very po

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