China welcomes efforts of ROK and DPRK to ease tensions

China has welcomed comments from both Seoul and Pyongyang signaling a possible easing of tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

China has taken note of the positive information released by the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on improving their relation and welcomes the two sides to take Pyeongchang Olympic Games as an opportunity to ease the situation on the Korean Peninsula, said spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry Geng Shuang on Tuesday.

Geng noted that China sticks to its position on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and is always dedicated to maintaining peace and stability in the region. He also added that China encourages the DPRK and US leaders to resume dialogue and build mutual trust.

In his New Year address, the DPRK's leader Kim Jong Un said he is considering sending a team to participate in the Winter Olympics in the ROK next month, and noted that the two sides should "urgently meet to discuss the possibility". Seoul responded on Tuesday by offering high-level talks with Pyongyang on January 9.

(CGTN)