China on Thursday appreciated the progress in Pakistan-India dialogue and hoped it would lead to resolution of the Kashmir dispute. "We welcome the agreement regarding the start of bus service between Muzaffrabad and Srinagar," said by a spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Office Kong Quan here at a weekly news briefing. He hoped that the new communication channel would facilitate the people of Kashmir. The spokesman hoped the negotiation process will help to resolve the Kashmir issue, left over by history.

To another question about nuclear conflict between USA and DPRK, the spokesman said such dispute could be resolved by showing flexibility and patience. "We should not resort to use of force and pressure in international relations," he stressed.

While reiterating China's stand in supporting the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, Kong Quan said the genuine security concern of the DPRK should also properly addressed.

He said China will strive to make the situation develop in a positive direction so the six-party talks could be resumed as soon as possible. "Maintaining the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula was in the interest of all parties involved," he added.

Regarding the DPRK's demand for direct talks with Washington, the spokesman said it is also necessary to defuse the tension."

However, we believe the two parties are already in contact with each other through other means," he added.

"We hope the six-party talks can be continue", Kong said.

The talks on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula involves Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the United States, China, Republic of Korea, Russia and Japan.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2005