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.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will meet President Donald Trump for their first summit Monday, with a deal to boost U.S. shipbuilding and cooperation front and center.