Beijing 'consistent' on DPRK relations

Beijing said on Thursday it is committed to friendly ties with Pyongyang, even after the official news agency of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea published a direct criticism of China.

"China's stance on the Korean Peninsula issue, and developing good-neighborly and friendly relations between China and the DPRK has been consistent and clear," Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in a regular press briefing.

"For many years, China has consistently taken an objective and fair stance and has handled issues according to their truth or falsehood," he said.

China has been committed to denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and maintaining peace and stability there by pushing to resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation, he said.

Geng said China expects all countries involved to shoulder their responsibilities and work toward regional peace, which would benefit the people.

The official Korean Central News Agency criticized on Wednesday several commentaries published recently in Chinese media, warning of "grave consequences" if China continues "dangerous remarks and actions".

Some Chinese media have called for further actions to prevent another atomic test by the DPRK and urged Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear program.

Nothing will shake Pyongyang's determination on the nuclear program, which is "as precious as its own life", the KCNA said.

It said China should be grateful for the DPRK's actions, which it called a buffer for Beijing from Washington since the 1950s.

Yang Xiyu, a Korean Peninsula expert at the China Institute of International Studies, said the KCNA should check the facts showing Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, former leaders of the DPRK, both supported denuclearization of the peninsula.

The DPRK's then-first vice-foreign minister, Kim Kye-gwan, said in June 2013 in Beijing that "realizing denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is the teaching of Chairman Kim Il-sung and General Secretary Kim Jong-il". The KCNA made the same remarks in October 2013.

"On this issue, China has always acted responsibly for people of both countries living near the DPRK's nuclear test site, for security of the whole of Northeast Asia and for the history books," Yang said.

Contact the writers at lixiaokun@chinadaily.com.cn