Developing friendly ties with DPRK 'unchanged'
(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2006-10-10 07:14
China: Nuclear device test damages relations
China said that North Korea's nuclear test would damage ties between the two
countries although Beijing intended to maintain its friendly policy towards the
nation.
"This will no doubt have a negative impact on China and North Korea's
relations," foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao told reporters.
"But China's consistent policy of developing a friendly, neighborly policy
towards North Korea remains unchanged."
Asked about China's position on sanctions against North Korea, Liu said
Beijing "along with other members of the Security Council, will continue to
exchange opinions as to what the next steps are to take."
Liu said that China would continue to watch the diplomatic developments.
"But all efforts have to be beneficial towards the denuclearization and the
stability of the Korean peninsula and the East Asian region, and for the
resumption of the six-party talks," he said.
Liu reiterated China's opposition to military action against North Korea over
its nuclear test.
"We do not endorse any military action toward North Korea. We are firmly
against that," he said. "Taking military action against North Korea would be
unimaginable."
Liu said members of the UN Security Council were not considering military
force at this point. "So this is positive," Liu said.
The talks on North
Korea's nuclear ambitions -- between China, the two Koreas, the United States,
Japan and Russia -- have been stalled since late last year.
"We think the Security Council should take appropriate actions but all
actions to be taken should help establish a denuclearized peninsula through
diplomatic efforts, dialogue and consultation."
|
