Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Thursday called on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) to maintain their current interactions and to gradually unlock the door to dialogue and consultation on the Korean Peninsula.

Wang's comment came after Pyongyang agreed to send its athletes, cheerleaders and artists, who have already arrived in the ROK, as well as a high-ranking delegation to the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.

Wang said both sides on the peninsula have had some positive interactions in preparation for the PyeongChang Winter Olympics. 

"China, as the biggest neighboring country to the Korean Peninsula, expresses support to the recent positive interactions," Wang said while meeting the press after the 7th strategic dialogue between China and the African Union.

"Dialogue and negotiation is the only way. It is very important for the two sides of the peninsula to take the first step. We hope the two sides will keep the momentum from their interactions, which did not come easily... and gradually, step by step, open the door to peace on the Korean Peninsula," Wang said.

"The efforts of the two sides have not been enough. While the two sides are opening the door, it is not right for other parties to close the door. We think it is important to stop any provocative actions and to try to maintain peace and stability on the Peninsula as much as possible, and create conditions for negotiations and talks." 

"We hope the dialogue during the Olympics will be expanded to become routine. The dialogue between the DPRK and the ROK should be expanded to include dialogue among all the related parties, especially between the DPRK and the United States. Doing this will improve relations between the two sides of the Peninsula, helping to maintain peace and stability and denuclearization of the Peninsula. I believe that with determination and concerted efforts, the door to dialogue and negotiation will be re-opened," Wang said.