U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday reaffirmed China’s commitment to continue to sanction North Korea until the reclusive country denuclearizes — just two days after Beijing hinted at sanction relief.

The first official visit to China by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo shortly after the recent US-North Korea summit has provided a window of opportunity to improve mutual understanding and enhance cooperation to help deliver the summit's promises, Chinese observers said on Thursday. 

Pompeo made his first official visit to Beijing on Thursday after visiting South Korea in the morning, during which he briefed regional allies South Korea and Japan on the summit's outcome between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. 

Beijing can better understand Trump through Pompeo, who is Trump's most trusted official, and therefore an influential White House adviser, said Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University's Institute of International Relations in Beijing.

At a press conference after meeting Pompeo, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China will work with the US and North Korea to promote dialogue and establish a peaceful mechanism on the Korean Peninsula.

The much-anticipated Trump-Kim Jung-Un summit has finally taken place in Singapore , but the North Korean leader must be mindful of the fact that barely a month ago, Donald Trump decided to walk away from a multi-lateral nuclear agreement signed by his predecessor, Barack Obama, thereby dishonouring and reneging on America's international commitments and obligations.

The US and North Korean leaders need to establish a foundation of trust after decades of open hostility, and no diplomatic, political or economic relations of any kind.