Meanwhile, the Chinese foreign ministry says China welcomes and supports efforts by both South Korea and the DPRK to improve their ties.

GENG SHUANG SPOKESPERSON, CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY "We noticed the leaders of South Korea and the DPRK have sent positive signals to thaw their relations. The DPRK is willing to send a delegation to the Winter Olympics. It is a good thing. China welcomes and supports such a turning point -- where both sides improve their relations, promote to ease the Korea Peninsular tensions, and make efforts to realize denuclearization on the Peninsula."