Possible candidates: NIS chief Suh Hoon, Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon; presidential chief of staff Im Jong-seok, National Security Office chief Chung Eui-yong

By Park Si-soo

China is welcoming the news of South Korean President Moon Jae-in's plan to send a special envoy to North Korea, calling it a move that will "help ease the situation" on the Korean peninsula.

Beijing's foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Friday at a regular press briefing the Chinese government supports the plan.

"With the opportunity that came with the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, positive movements have emerged in inter-Korea relations," Hua said. "China welcomes and encourages South Korea's decision to send a special envoy to North Korea, and also welcomes the positive attitudes between the United States and North Korea toward the bilateral talks."

Moon's special envoys embark on historic trip to North Korea 2018-03-05 09:19  |  North Korea Moon to send top security adviser, spy chief as special envoys to North Korea 2018-03-04 11:54  |  Politics Moon to name special envoy to NK next week 2018-03-02 16:56  |  Politics South Korea to send special envoy to North Korea: Cheong Wa Dae 2018-03-01 23:51  |  Politics Hua added the international community should "continue to support and encourage" the latest developments, and inter-Korea talks should lead to "full-fledged dialogue" between Washington and Pyongyang.

"The essence of the Korean Peninsula issue is security and not sanctions, so dialogue is a fundamental solution to the security concerns of each country and the problem of the Korean peninsula," the spokeswoman said, adding the suspension of U.S.-South Korea joint exercises will ease tensions.

Meanwhile, President Moon will soon name a special envoy to North Korea, Cheong Wa Dae said.

Possible candidates are National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director Suh Hoon and Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon. Both met with the delegations from the North when they visited for the opening and closing ceremonies for the Olympics.
Other possible candidates are presidential chief of staff Im Jong-seok and National Security Office chief Chung Eui-yong.