China says Korean Peninsula peace 'serves all parties' as Trump signals outreach to Kim

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its standard position on a political resolution to the Korean Peninsula issue Monday, after Donald Trump ordered a significant reduction in joint US-South Korea military exercises and emphasized his "good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Asked at a regular briefing Monday whether China supports new dialogue between the United States and North Korea following Trump's remarks Sunday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing had "taken note of the relevant reports" and that "safeguarding peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and promoting a political resolution to Peninsula issues serves the common interests of all parties."

The phrases "safeguarding peace and stability" and "promoting a political resolution" reflect China's long-standing principled stance on the Korean Peninsula.

Earlier Sunday, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that he had "ordered Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to substantially reduce the joint exercises" with South Korea.

Trump said he had "long been unhappy" with US participation in joint military drills with South Korea, "given that Chairman Kim Jong-un and I have a very good relationship," calling the exercises "totally inappropriate and sending a very hostile signal."