China agrees new UN resolution on DPRK, reiterates call for dialogue

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) shakes hands with US Secretary of State John Kerry in Beijing, capital of China, Jan 27, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING -- China agrees the United Nations Security Council should take further actions and pass a new resolution on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) following its nuclear test earlier this month, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Wednesday.

Wang made the remarks at a press briefing after meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry, who is on a two-day visit to China.

"The new resolution should aim to bring the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue back to the negotiating table, rather than stirring up tension or causing chaos on the peninsula," Wang said.

The latest nuclear test by the DPRK violated the UN Security Council resolution and threatened the international nuclear non-proliferation system. Therefore, China has voiced its opposition against the move, he said.

China is willing to maintain all-round and profound consultations with all parties in a responsible way, including the US, Wang said, describing his talks with Kerry as "adequate, profound and conducive to mutual understanding."

"We reached a consensus that the Security Council could react to the DPRK nuclear test and pass a new resolution," he said. "We agreed that sanctions are not an end in themselves and it is vital to restart dialogue and negotiation."

Wang said China's stance on the Korean peninsula nuclear issue is clear, consistent and responsible, and will not be changed by any single incident or affected by sentiment.

China is committed to the denuclearization of the peninsula, maintaining its peace and stability, and resolving the issue through dialog and consultation, Wang said.

"China refuses all groundless speculations and misinterpretations on its stance," he said.

"China adheres to above-mentioned position and has made tremendous efforts over the years and fulfilled its responsibilities and obligations," Wang said.

China has called for the resumption of the six-party talks. The talks were launched in 2003 but stalled in December 2008. The DPRK quit the talks in April 2009. The six-party talks involve China, the DPRK, the Republic of Korea, the United States, Russia and Japan.