China's special Korean envoy holds talks in Seoul

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China's special envoy on Korean issues flew to Seoul on Friday for consultations ahead of new exploratory talks next week between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea (ROK).

Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou, who is also China's special representative on Korean Peninsula affairs, said his country welcomed the "positive" developments on the peninsula, where tensions have risen as a result of the DPRK's nuclear and missile programs.

He held talks with Lee Do-hoon, the ROK's special representative for Korean Peninsula peace and security affairs.

"Currently, some positive things are unfolding with regard to the situation on the Korean Peninsula, though there are still complicated challenges," Kong said during the meeting.

China's vice foreign minister Kong Xuanyou, also the special representative of the Chinese government on Korean Peninsula affairs, held consultations with Lee Do-hoon, the ROK's special representative, on Friday. /VCG Photo

"We're talking with DPRK. We hope the dialogue between the Koreas run smoothly."

The nations on the divided peninsula are due to meet at the border village of Panmunjom on Tuesday

Kong said that he would like February's Winter Olympic Games in the ROK city of PyeongChang to be an opportunity to bring peace to the Korean Peninsula.

"DPRK showed its intention to send a delegation to the Winter Olympics, and this is something we should welcome with open arms," he said. "South Korea and DPRK are compatriots of the same blood. We absolutely support (DPRK's PyeongChang Olympic participation) and we hope the two can continue exchanges even after the PyeongChang Olympic Games."

Kong also expressed the hope that Seoul and Beijing will strengthen strategic communication and advance mutual trust based on agreements their leaders reached during a summit in Beijing in December.

In response, Lee said that the current situation meant that "it is more important than ever" to maintain cooperation between South Korea and China.

"I hope that the cooperation between the governments of the two countries remain close going forward," he said.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in arrivingin Beijing with his wife on December 13, 2017 at the start of a four-day visit to China. /VCG Photo

"We'll try our best," Kong replied, "but only God knows if that will happen or not," in reference to the possibility of reopening the six-party talks on the Korean crisis.

Earlier Friday, DPRK accepted Seoul's offer for high-level talks to discuss the North's participation in the PyeongChang Olympics.

Moon and US President Donald Trump on Thursday agreed also to delay their countries' regular joint military exercises during the PyeongChang Olympics. The tentative agreement came at the request of Moon, according to the South Korean presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae.

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