ROK, DPRK agreement reduces tensions

China welcomed a deal struck between the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on Tuesday that defused heightened tensions.

China hopes that the sides will continue the talks and promote reconciliation and cooperation, push forward the implementation of the agreement and maintain peace and stability on the peninsula, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said in a statement on Tuesday.

Pyongyang expressed its regret over recent injuries sustained by ROK soldiers from a land mine blast and decided to lift the "quasi-state of war" it declared last week, according to a news briefing on Tuesday.