China encourages dialogue between U.S.,DPRK

China encourages dialogue and engagement in whatever forms as long as it facilitates getting the Korean Peninsular nuclear issue back on the negotiation track, said the Chinese foreign ministry Monday.

Spokesperson Lu Kang made the remarks when asked to comment on the unofficial talks held between the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) from Oct. 21 to 22 in Kuala Lumpur.

"We have noticed relevant reports," said Lu, adding that the origin, crux and essence of the DPRK nuclear issue is the country's conflicts with the United States.

Participants at the closed door talks included DPRK deputy Foreign Minister Han Song-Ryol and Robert Gallucci, who served as U.S. chief negotiator with the DPRK in the 1990s.

The meeting came after DPRK conducted its fifth nuclear test in September.

China has consistently encouraged the relevant sides to hold talks and engage with one another, so as to increase the possibility that the peninsular nuclear issue can be solved peacefully and appropriately, Lu said.

(APD)