Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently clarified China's stance on the United Nations Security Council resolution on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) issue at a press conference on the sidelines of China's annual parliamentary session. [Special coverage]
Wang said China and the Korean Peninsula are linked by common mountains and rivers, and China and the DPRK enjoy a normal state-to-state relationship built on a deep tradition of friendship.
Dong Xiangrong of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences said, "One country should not be allowed to harm others' interests."
Ruan Zongze of the China Institute of International Studies (CIIS) said, "On the basis of normal state-to-state relationship, China cannot control the DPRK, an independent sovereign state, or make decisions on behalf of it."
Yang Xiyu, another CIIS researcher, said, "Responding to international circumstances, the two countries gradually shifted their relationship to a normal state-to-state one."
Also of importance is China's greater openness to new approaches that help stabilize the Korean Peninsula, Yang said.
Minister Wang said, "We are open to any and all initiatives that can help bring the nuclear issue on the Peninsula back to the negotiating table."
Zhou Wenzhong, former Chinese ambassador to the United States, said, "In light of obstacles, flexible dialogues might facilitate a gradual improvement toward the Six-Party Talks."
The Chinese foreign minister called for renewed efforts in getting back to the negotiating table.
"Resolution 2270 not just contains sanctions; it also reiterates support for the Six-Party Talks and asks the parties to refrain from taking any actions that might aggravate tensions," Wang said, adding that maintaining stability is the pressing priority and only negotiation can lead to a fundamental solution.
The continuation of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia is important, Yang said. "The message from the foreign minister is clear and candid."
