BEIJING, June 1 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday said it encouraged and supported the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to actively conduct constructive dialogue and contact, as well as improve mutual trust.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying made the remarks at a routine press briefing, when commenting on the ROK's recent move to approve the first civilian contact with the DPRK, indicating a gradual resumption of inter-Korean exchanges.

Hua said that China had noted the reports and considered it a positive message sent by the new ROK administration in their DPRK policy.

"The step of making contact between the ROK and the DPRK will be of positive significance to the easing of tensions, pushing forward the reconciliation process and cooperation and looking for a final solution to the Korean Peninsula issue through dialogue and consultation, especially in current conditions," Hua said.