(LEAD) China's Xi to keep playing 'constructive role' in denuclearizing N. Korea

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with fresh quotes, details)

BEIJING, Dec. 18 (Yonhap) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping told the visiting National Assembly speaker of South Korea that he will continue to play a "constructive role" in persuading North Korea to give up its nuclear capability, reaffirming Beijing's long-standing commitment to the North Korean nuclear issue, a South Korean official said Thursday.

Xi made the remarks during a meeting with Chung Ui-hwa, speaker of South Korea's National Assembly, at the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing, according to Choi Hyung-du, a National Assembly spokesman who is accompanying Chung on his five-day visit to China.

"China will fulfill its constructive role in realizing denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," Xi told Chung, according to Choi.

Xi also said China has been trying to persuade the nations involved in the long-stalled six-party talks to resume the negotiating process. The six-nation talks, involving South Korea, North Korea, the U.S., China, Russia and Japan, have been halted since late 2008.

In rare comments by the top Chinese leader on illegal fishing by Chinese boats in South Korean waters, Xi pledged that China will strengthen its supervisory activities against such boats.

Pollution and overfishing at home have prompted more Chinese fishing vessels to poach in South Korea's rich fishing grounds in the Yellow Sea. In some cases, Chinese fishermen have violently resisted attempts by the South Korean coast guard to seize their vessels.

"In spite of our strict supervision against illegal fishing, such a situation is happening," Xi was quoted as saying by Choi. China "will continue to strengthen its supervision," Xi told Chung.

kdh@yna.co.kr
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