China urges U.S., DPRK to conduct dialogue as soon as possible

China urges the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to hold talks sooner rather than later, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Thursday in Beijing at a press briefing.

All relevant sides, particularly the U.S. and the DPRK, should make contact and conduct dialogue as soon as possible based on the "dual-track approach," advance denuclearization of the peninsula and promote peace mechanisms, Wang said. 

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets the press on the sidelines of the national legislature's annual session in Beijing on March 8. [Photo: Xinhua]

He also called for resolving the legitimate security concerns of all sides including the DPRK on an equal footing. 

The situation on the Korean Peninsula is easing as the DPRK and the Republic of Korea (ROK) has been engaged in a series of contact thanks to the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games, according to Wang. 

China's suspension-for-suspension proposal has proven to be a right prescription for the problem in creating the basic conditions needed for improving inter-Korea relations, Wang said. 

The next step is to bring the situation on the Peninsula back to the track of peace, and the nuclear issue back to the track of dialogue, he said.

"There is light at the end of the tunnel, but it will not be all smooth sailing ahead of us," Wang said, as various disruptions could occur when tensions ease off. 

China will continue to make relentless efforts in promoting all necessary contact for the goal of solving the Korean Peninsula issue peacefully through dialogue and negotiations, he said.

"Here comes another moment of truth for the parties to demonstrate their seriousness about resolving the issue," Wang said, adding "We must not let the opportunity slip by."