China on Thursday expressed "sincere hope and support" for dialogue between the two sides on the Korean Peninsula.

"We sincerely hope for, and support helpful engagement and dialogue between the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)," said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu at a regular news briefing.

Jiang's remarks came a day after ROK President Lee Myung-bak called for dialogue with the DPRK in a meeting with the unification ministry in Seoul.

In another meeting on Wednesday, Lee also hinted a more flexible stance towards resuming the stalled six-party talks, which group China, the DPRK, the United States, the ROK, Russia and Japan.

There have been rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula after the exchange of artillery fire between the ROK and the DPRK last month. China has since called for calm and restraint and proposed emergency six-party consultations.

"We have always insisted that the ROK and the DPRK solve problems through dialogue and consultations, gradually improve ties and achieve reconciliation and cooperation," Jiang told the briefing.

She said dialogue and negotiations are the only effective way to solve problems and realize long-term stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Jiang reiterated that the six-party talks is the main channel to achieve denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula and safeguard regional peace and stability.

"We are committed to making joint efforts with all parties to implement all objectives listed in the Sept.19 statement through the six-party talks," said Jiang.

The statement, issued on Sept. 19, 2005, reaffirmed the goal of verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner.