China supports DPRK-U.S. talks, hopes for positive results on nuke issue

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00:34

China's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that China supports contact between U.S. and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to achieve a positive result on nuke issue.

Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang made the remark at a regular briefing following Tuesday's announcement of DPRK leader Kim Jong Un's unexpected visit to the Chinese capital.

Lu also told reporters that China has always played a positive role over the Korean Peninsula issue.

"China is always an important driving force in pushing for peace and stability on the peninsula, and for a peaceful political resolution of the issue," Lu said, adding "China will continue to work with all relevant parties to promote this process."

Kim Jong Un arrived Monday on his first visit to China in 2019 and will leave on Thursday.

Lu said the two leaders of China and the DPRK would discuss and deeply exchange views on regional and international issues of common concern, but did not provide further details or other schedules of Kim's visit.

When asked if Kim's visit, giving the timing, a bargaining counter for China to use in the ongoing trade talks with the U.S., Lu denied the speculation.

"It's not strange for China to have some overlap of diplomatic events schedules. Our stances are clear on both issues," Lu said.

"We commit to developing friendly relations between China and the DPRK as well as the two Parties. We also have an open and transparent position on Sino-U.S. trade friction, and we don't need to play other 'tricks' so Washington could have faith in us."