U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday denied Beijing is hindering progress on North Korea’s denuclearization because of an ongoing trade dispute with Washington.

During an interview with CNBC just hours before state media confirmed a visit by DPRK leader Kim Jong Un to China is taking place this week, Pompeo insisted Beijing had been helpful in ensuring progress is being made towards North Korea’s denuclearization.

“The Chinese have been very clear to us that these are separate issues,” the Secretary of State said, responding to a question on whether North Korean denuclearization was linked to the ongoing trade war.