Chinese President Hu Jintao offered China and North Korea find a more active means to cooperate each other. The remark came during a visit made to the country by Jang Song-thaek, North Korea's vice chairman of the National Defense Commission and the uncle of the leader Kim Jong-un.

It was reported that Hu delivered the message to Jang during a meeting on August 17, where he also said trade and cooperation between the two countries had recently been on a sharp increase.

The Chinese president emphasized China and North Korea increase friendly ties by strengthening communication on international and regional issues and maintain interaction among high ranking officials from both countries.

Jang, who is also the chief of the Central Administrative Department of the Workers' Party of Korea, told Hu that it was the party’s wish to maintain friendly ties with Beijing and urged Hu to push for joint development on Hwanggumphyong, Wihwa Island and the Rajin economic area.

Chinese media China Daily reported Hu had shown a positive stance towards helping North Korea achieve economic development similar to Beijing’s.