Prime Minister Taro Aso has asked for China’s cooperation in disabling North Korea's nuclear program.

In a meeting Monday in Tokyo, Aso told Chinese Vice-Premier Wang Qishan that a nuclear North Korea could have a serious impact on the region.

Wang, in response, reiterated Beijing’s principle position in that it firmly opposes the North’s nuclear test and seeks the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

The Japanese prime minister also requested China’s cooperation in the joint development of natural gas fields in the East China Sea and in the investigations into tainted Chinese frozen dumplings.

The Chinese vice premier assured Aso he will deliver his requests to Chinese President Hu Jintao.