The Chinese Foreign Ministry says the Special Representative of the Chinese Government on the Korean Peninsular Affairs, and assistant foreign affairs minister Kong Xuanyou, will visit Seoul over the weekend to discuss the situation with South Korean officials. The ministry also said it welcomes the efforts undertaken by both the Pyongyang and Seoul.

GENG SHUANG SPOKESPERSON, CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY "We have noticed there are some positive signals in the relations between the DPRK and South Korea. China thinks both sides can improve ties with negotiations and talks, which is conducive to easing tensions on the Peninsula, the denuclearization process, as well as regional stability and security. China welcomes recent efforts by both sides, and hope the international community can do more to support the building of trust between the two countries."