Beijing, China - July 17, 2017
1. Lu Kang, spokesman, Chinese Foreign Ministry, at press briefing
2. Reporters at press briefing
3. SOUDNBITE (Chinese) Lu Kang, spokesman, Chinese Foreign Ministry:
"China believes it is in the fundamental interests of both sides of the Korean Peninsula to improve ties through dialogue, and promote reconciliation and cooperation. It also helps to ease tensions and boost peace, stability and security of the region. China hopes the two sides would work together toward a positive direction and pave the way for dialogue resumption. We also hope all parties concerned in the international community would understand and support such efforts, and play constructive roles in properly solving the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue."
4. Reporter working on laptop at press briefing

China hopes the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) would make efforts together in positive direction on restarting dialogue, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said Monday.

Lu Kang, the spokesman, made the remarks at a press briefing in Beijing when commenting on a ROK proposal on holding inter-Korean military and Red Cross talks with the DPRK.

"China believes it is in the fundamental interests of both sides of the Korean Peninsula to improve ties through dialogue, and promote reconciliation and cooperation. It also helps to ease tensions and boost peace, stability and security of the region," said Lu Kang.

The ROK on Monday proposed holding inter-Korean military talks at Tongilgak, a building on the DPRK side of the truce village of Panmunjom, to ease military tensions along the border.

Separately, the South Korean Red Cross has suggested holding dialogue on the reunion of families separated by the 1950-1953 Korean War, on Aug. 1 in the Peace House, a building on the ROK side of Panmunjom.

"China hopes the two sides would work together toward a positive direction and pave the way for dialogue resumption," said the spokesman.

Lu Kang urged all parties concerned in the international community to understand and support such efforts, and play constructive roles in properly solving the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.