China on Sunday expressed its support for a planned summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, stressing that direct dialogue between the leaders is the key to solving the nuclear standoff.

China's foreign ministry also welcomed the results of the second summit between Kim and President Moon Jae-in on Saturday, expressing hope that the two Koreas continue their efforts for reconciliation and cooperation.

"We think a person-to-person encounter and dialogue between the leaders of North Korea and the US is the key to solving problems," Lu Kang, spokesman at the Chinese foreign ministry, said in a written response to Yonhap News Agency's questions.

"We hope both the North and the US show patience and good faith to focus on resolving concerns and carry out the process to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula," the spokesman noted.

"China unwaveringly supports the hosting of the North-US summit," Lu said. China will continue to play an active, constructive role on Korean Peninsula issues, he added. (Yonhap)