Wang added that China's policy is to maintain stability and continuity with South Korea and he urged both sides to "improve national sentiment and manage sensitivities properly" to move bilateral relations forward steadily.

South Korea has long come under targeted criticism from Trump, who has called it a "money machine" that takes advantage of American military protection.

Donald Trump suggested on social media that the U.S. might stop doing business with South Korea, but in a meeting with President Lee Jae Myung, no tension emerged.