China calls for 'political courage' as Trump, Kim prepare to meet

China on Friday welcomed the historic announcement of a meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, urging them to show "political courage" in pursuing the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

"We welcome this positive signal by the US and North Korea in having direct dialogue," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a regular press briefing, adding that "the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue is moving in the right direction."

"We hope that all parties can demonstrate political courage and make the right political decisions," he said.