The efforts of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) toward solving the Korean Peninsula crisis should be fully recognized, encouraged, welcomed and supported by the international community, said Chinese Foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang on Thursday. He called on all parties concerned to meet the DPRK halfway.

The DPRK has made a series of important efforts, including announcing a halt of nuclear tests and closing the Punggye-ri nuclear test site, Lu noted at Thursday's press conference. The country has demonstrated its goodwill for promoting the denuclearization of the Peninsula, establishing mutual trust with all parties concerned, as well as its commitment to advance the political settlement of the Peninsula issue through dialogue, he said. 

US Senator Rand Paul said on Wednesday that reports of the DPRK threatening to cancel the imminent peace summit talks with President Trump are being "over-read," and that the negotiations should go ahead unhindered.

"From their perspective, they also feel they gave up the three prisoners and said they are ending military-weapons testing," Paul said, adding "They are giving and haven't seen a little bit on the other side from us." 

"This is just their way of responding and pushing back," Paul said. "But I don’t think it endangers the upcoming talks."

In response, Lu said he hopes Paul's empathy and attitude of mutual understanding can be taken seriously.

Lu said with the joint efforts of all parties involved, the settlement of the Peninsula issue has finally taken an important step in the right direction. 

Lu called on all parties concerned to cherish the detente on the Korean Peninsula at the Wednesday's press conference. He reiterated on Thursday that the current momentum for dialogue and easing of tension does not come easily, and should be cherished by all relevant parties.

China has always advocated that all relevant parties should promote a political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue through dialogue and consultation, and fully consider the concerns of all, including DPRK's legitimate security concerns, he said.

"We hope the US and the DPRK will seize the current opportunities, continue to build mutual trust, and make joint efforts to realize denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and lasting peace and stability in the region," Lu said.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday that the situation should be avoided that one party shows flexibility while the other tends to take a tougher stance.

"There have been lessons from the past and we do not wish to see the scenario repeat," Wang said.