U.S. President Barack Obama has sought cooperation from Chinese President Hu Jintao on the North Korean nuclear issue.

Beijing diplomatic sources said Obama enlisted Hu’s support for a new and tougher United Nations Security Council resolution in response to North Korea’s second nuclear test last week.

China’s state-run China News Service (CNS) reported Hu told Obama that Beijing was willing to join in efforts with Washington to further promote bilateral cooperation, noting improving relations between the two countries.

While the United States has called for strong sanctions against North Korea, China has opposed such measures to persuade the North to engage in dialogue.