Trump, Xi committed to 'maximising pressure' on North Korea: White House

Tensions have dramatically risen on the Korean peninsula after North Korea early this month conducted its biggest nuclear test, which its state-run KCNA news agency described it as a hydrogen bomb.

Trump today spoke with Xi to discuss North Korea's continued defiance of the international community and its efforts to destabilize the Northeast Asia.

"The two leaders committed to maximizing pressure on North Korea through vigorous enforcement of United Nations Security Council resolutions," the White House said.

Trump is in New York to attend the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly.

The UN Security Council last week unanimously passed a US-drafted resolution that imposes strongest sanctions ever on North Korea, including restricting its oil imports and banning textile exports, to curb the reclusive nation's nuclear programme.

US Treasury Secretary Rex Tillerson told reporters that they will have plenty of opportunity to talk about that with many, many of international leaders.

"I think the UN Security Council resolutions really speak for themselves, a unanimous view of what’s needed for North Korea to correct the situation," Tillerson said in response to a question during a trilateral with his Indian and Japanese counterparts.