U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell has urged China to play an active role in getting North Korea to improve its ties with South Korea.

According to a transcript released by the State Department Monday, Campbell told reporters in Tokyo that the U.S. values China's role in terms of engaging North Korea. He then called on Beijing to take a very clear stand on encouraging North Korea to engage responsibly with South Korea and also with the international community.

Campbell said he has no comment or details on North Korean leader Kim Jong-il’s current visit to China.