DPRK's comments raise 'concerns'

Beijing expressed "serious concerns" on Wednesday over Pyongyang's recent comments regarding further nuclear and missile tests, saying it is resolutely opposed to any words or actions that could increase tensions.

"The current situation on the Korean Peninsula is complicated and sensitive. ... All related parties should make practical efforts to ease the tensions," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said at a daily news conference in Beijing.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea recently threatened to conduct more missile tests on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis, and it said the next nuclear test could take place "at a time and at a place where our headquarters deems necessary".

"I've noticed related reports," Lu said. "China has serious concerns about the DPRK's recent nuclear and missile development move."

Lu said China would pursue a peaceful resolution. "China will steadfastly stick to realizing the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, maintaining its peace and stability, as well as solving the issue through dialogue and negotiations."

The spokesman also urged the parties concerned not to intentionally flare up tension for their own political purposes.

He spoke after news media reported that the Japanese government has been working on plans concerning a potential crisis on the Korean Peninsula, including dispatching Self-Defense Forces there.

Republic of Korea Foreign Ministry spokesman Cho June-hyuck called on Japan to refrain from fanning concerns on the Korean Peninsula, saying it could have a negative impact on the peninsula's peace and security.

"We are aware of the Japanese government's related movements. ... And I agree with Cho's remarks," Lu said.

"We hope all countries that are really dedicated to regional peace do not intentionally play up tensions. We should also prevent any party from realizing its own hidden political purposes through creating tensions and intensifying conflicts," he added.

Lu also said major related parties involved in the Korean Peninsula issue have told China during their communications that they do not want to see any conflict or war occur.

"The only conflict worse than one that is intended is one that is unintended," he said, citing a sentence that former US vice-president Joe Biden often said.

mojingxi@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 04/20/2017 page3)