China opposed to military settlement of Korea dispute, official says
China has once again warned against the potential use of military action to resolve a conflict involving North Korea’s nuclear program, saying the dispute should solely be settled through peaceful means.
“We have always believed that military means should not be an option to resolve the nuclear issue on the peninsula. Because arms cannot resolve the differences and can only cause a bigger disaster. No side can accept this,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said at a daily news briefing on Wednesday.
China is concerned that an ongoing war of words between the United States and North Korea, which was escalated after the North carried out its sixth and most powerful nuclear test earlier this month, could spark a full-fledged confrontation in the region.
North Korea has warned that it could target the mainland US with its intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM). Pyongyang also claims that it has mastered the technology to fit its powerful nuclear weapons on the missiles. The threats came after the US and allies piled more economic pressure on North Korea after it successfully test-fired two ICBMs in July. US President Donald Trump even warned of “fire ad fury like the world has never seen.” The two sides have continued to threaten each other, creating fears that a miscalculation could lead to action with untold ramifications.
The Chinese spokesman said the continued rhetoric could further escalate the situation. “We hope all sides can avoid words and actions that intensify the problem and may cause the situation to continue to escalate.”
The official reiterated China’s opposition to North Korea’s intensified weapons program, saying, however, that Beijing was also interested in maintaining stability on the Korean Peninsula. Kang said Beijing was "resolute in working for the protection of the peninsula’s peace and stability and uphold a peaceful resolution for the nuclear issue via dialogue and consultation."
China vows 'necessary measures' in response to new US sanctions
China says US still interfering in its affairs despite efforts to stabilize relations
Philippines, US kick off drills in disputed waters of South China Sea
VIDEO | Jewish movement for Palestine: 'Not in our name'
VIDEO | The legacy of Bobby Sands
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
VIDEO | Solidarity protest with US students at Sana'a university
Gaza ministry condemns death of Palestinian doctor in Israeli jail
Bahraini resistance group claims attack on Israeli port
VIDEO | Musa Abu Marzouk
France denies entry to Gaza war surgeon in 'utter vindictiveness'
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
