BEIJING, June 27 (Xinhua) -- China will give necessary support for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) to improve their relations, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said on Tuesday.

Lu's comment came as the ROK has approved a request by an aid group to send tuberculosis medication to the DPRK, and other material to build hospital wards there.

The green light is the first of its kind since ROK President Moon Jae-in took office in May and the shipment will be made to the DPRK's western port city of Nampo via China in July, according to Yonhap.

As the people of the DPRK and the ROK belong to the same ethnic group, improving the inter-Korea relationship and promoting reconciliation and cooperation serves the fundamental interests of both sides and regional peace and development, Lu said.

"China is willing to give necessary support to this," Lu said.

China hopes the DPRK and the ROK can continue goodwill toward each other and play a positive role in easing tension on the peninsula, the spokesperson said.