Tillerson: China Understands NKorea Is a Threat

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Sunday he's hopeful China and the United States can work together "to change the conditions in the minds of" North Korea leadership in response to the "intensified" situation there.

In remarks to CBS News' "Face The Nation," Tillerson said President Donald Trump and China President Xi Jinping had "extensive discussions around the dangerous situation in North Korea."

"President Xi clearly understands and I think agrees that the situation has intensified and reached a certain level of threat that action has to be taken," Tillerson said.

"We are hopeful is that we can work together with the Chinese to change the conditions in the minds of the [Democratic People's Republic of Korea] leadership and then at that point perhaps discussions may be useful."

"But I think there is a shared view and no disagreement as to how dangerous the situation has become," he added. "And I think even China is beginning to recognize this presents a threat to even China's interests as well."

Trump met with Xi last week, and following their diplomatic meetings announced an agreement to work with the international community to achieve a peaceful solution to the North Korea nuclear threat.

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