China and the DPRK were friendly neighbors and often discussed major international issues and progress in bilateral ties, Kong said at a regular press conference in Beijing.

Meanwhile, China established diplomatic relations with the ROK 10 years ago and bilateral ties between the two countries had developed rapidly ever since, he noted.

After Roh Moo-hyun was elected new president of the ROK, China sent a delegation headed by Vice-Premier Qian Qichen to his inauguration, Kong said. When President Roh met with Vice-Premier Qian after the ceremony, the two agreed to make further efforts to boost bilateral cooperative ties and partnership on the basis of growth over the past decade.

In all, China enjoys very good relationship with both countries on the Korean Peninsular and hopes that peace and stability will be maintained there through efforts from the parties concerned, the spokesman said.

(Xinhua News Agency February 28, 2003)