Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Monday that China welcomes the serious and positive dialogue between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the United States.

Hong said at a regular press briefing that China has maintained close communication with the DPRK and the United States on the six-party talks and exchanged views with both parties after their third round of high-level talks, held in Beijing from Feb. 23 to 24.

"China is willing to work along with all parties to further promote the process of the six-party talks and play a constructive role in safeguarding the peace and stability of the Korean peninsula as well as Northeast Asia," Hong said.

According to the spokesman, the foreign ministries of China and the DPRK have maintained dialogue and communication through various forms.

He said responsible officials in both foreign ministries last week exchanged views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of common concern, agreeing to further promote China-DPRK cooperation, make joint efforts to safeguard the peace and stability of the Korean peninsula and promote the resumption of the six-party talks as soon as possible.

On the issue of food supplies to the DPRK, he said "China has been providing assistance to the DPRK within its capacity and welcomes relevant parties and the international community to provide support to the DPRK with various means to help the country get through current difficulties," he added.