China hopes to see improved contact between US, DPRK

BEIJING -- China said Monday that the United States should strengthen contact with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), gradually seek a consensus and build mutual trust.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang made the comments at a daily press briefing in response to US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's remarks to US Department of State employees on May 3.

Tillerson said the United States was ready to engage in talks with the DPRK "when conditions are right," adding that Washington was sending a "very, very clear and resolute" message to the DPRK that the country's security and economic prosperity "can only be secured" through commitment to denuclearization.

"We've been clear to them this is not about regime change, this is not about regime collapse, this is not about an accelerated reunification of the peninsula, this is not about us looking for an excuse to come north of the 38th Parallel," Tillerson said.

Geng said China has acknowledged the United States' determination to push forward denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Tillerson's remarks were positive and should be taken seriously as they expressed the intention of resolving the issue through dialogue and consultation, Geng said.

The United States is one of main parties involved in the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, he said, adding China continues to encourage the the country to play a constructive role in peacefully settling the issue.

China is ready to work with all parties, including the United States, to seek an amicable resolution, Geng said.