China and South Korea's leaders pledged to boost trade and safeguard regional stability on Monday during a visit to Beijing by the South Korean president that was overshadowed by North Korea's recent ballistic missile tests. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met Chinese President Xi Jinping as part of his four-day trip to China his first since taking office, in June. As Xi hosted Lee at the imposing Great Hall of the People, the Chinese president stressed the two countries' important responsibilities in maintaining regional peace and promoting global development, according to a readout of their meeting broadcast by state-run CCTV. Lee spoke about opening a new chapter in the development of Korea-China relations during changing times. The two countries should make joint contributions to promote peace, which is the foundation for prosperity and growth, Lee said. The visit comes as China wants to shore up regional support amid rising tensions with Japan. Beijing and South Korea's