Defense Secretary James Mattis (L) and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in a press conference following the first China-US diplomatic and security dialogue   (Photo: VNA)

The US pressed China to exert more economic and diplomatic pressure on North Korea to help rein in its nuclear and missile programs. Issues related to counter-terrorism and the East Sea were also discussed. Washington may reconsider its tougher economic sanctions, including an oil embargo, airline ban, and limiting of foreign workers, which has been opposed by China and Russia. The US might also extend its sanctions on Chinese companies doing business with North Korean entities accused of involvement in the nuclear program.