BEIJING, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi spoke by phone Tuesday with his U.S. and South Korean counterparts to exchange views on the death of Kim Jong Il, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the current situation on the Korean Peninsula.

In separate phone conversations with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and South Korean Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan, Yang said safeguarding peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula serves the common interests of all parties and China is ready to work with them toward that end.

Agreeing on the importance of maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula, both Clinton and Kim said their countries will maintain close communication and coordination with China in this regard.

Yang also said China is ready to enhance dialogue and cooperation with the United States and South Korea to advance bilateral ties with both countries in the new year.

Both Clinton and Kim expressed the wish to promote relations between their countries and China.

According to the official KCNA news agency, DPRK top leader Kim Jong Il died Saturday on a train during a field guidance tour.