Xi reaffirms stance on Peninsula denuclearization

BEIJING - President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China's stance of denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula on Friday, stressing that targets should be met by all parties involved no matter how the situation evolves.

In his meeting with Choe Ryong Hae, the special envoy of Kim Jong Un, leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Xi stressed that denuclearization and long-lasting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula are common aspirations shared by all people in the region.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Choe Ryong Hae, the special envoy of Kim Jong Un, leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), in Beijing, capital of China, May 24, 2013. Choe, director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People's Army and a member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Workers' Party of Korea Central Committee, arrived in Beijing Wednesday. [Photo/Xinhua]

"China has a very clear position concerning the issue that all the parties involved should stick to the objective of denuclearization, safeguard the peace and stability on the peninsula, and resolve disputes through dialogue and consultation, " Xi stressed.

He called on all parties concerned to remain calm and with restraint, ease the situation and restart the process of the six-party talks, in a bid to achieve denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula and safeguard peace and stability in Northeast Asia.

Choe said it is the sincere wish of the DPRK to create a peaceful external environment to develop its economy and improve people's livelihood.

The DPRK is ready to work with parties concerned to properly solve relevant issues through multiform dialogue and consultation, including the six-party talks, said Choe.

He said the DPRK is willing to adopt active moves to safeguard peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

With regard to bilateral relations, Xi said bilateral friendship conforms to the common interests of the two countries as well as their people.

The Communist Party of China and the Chinese government will make joint efforts with the DPRK to promote the sound and stable development of bilateral relations, said the president.

The DPRK values its traditional friendship with China, said Choe, adding that the DPRK will work with China to beef up high-level exchanges and in-depth communication, so as to constantly consolidate and develop their friendship.

During the meeting, Choe passed on a letter from Kim Jong Un to Xi.

Choe, director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People's Army and a member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Workers' Party of Korea Central Committee, arrived in Beijing from Pyongyang Wednesday.