China's top legislator Wu Bangguo said in Seoul on Wednesday that legitimate concerns of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) should be addressed during the process of peacefully settling the nuclear issue through dialogue.

"I believe that through vigorous efforts of the parties concerned, the issue will eventually be solved peacefully, thus laying the foundation for lasting peace and prosperity of the (Korean) peninsula," said Wu, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, at a reception hosted in his honor by Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Li Bin.

The just-ended six-party talks in Beijing on the DPRK nuclear issue was another important step toward resolving the issue through dialogue, Wu said.

The Chinese stand on the issue has been that the Korean peninsula should be nuclear-free and peace and stability on the peninsula should be maintained.

To solve the issue peacefully, "legitimate concerns of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea should be addressed," he said.

Seeking a peaceful solution through dialogue is in the interests of all relevant parties, Wu added.

The Chinese government and people will continue to support the efforts by South Korea and the DPRK to improve relations, build trust and realize peaceful reunification of the peninsula, the Chinese top legislator said.

Wu arrived in Seoul on Tuesday for a three-day visit to South Korea.

(Xinhua News Agency September 3, 2003)