Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang quoted an old Chinese saying that states, "anxious to see the world in disorder" to respond to a question at a regular press conference after no unusual event happened in Pyongyang on Tuesday.
Speculation mounted ahead of the 85th anniversary of the establishment of DPRK's army that the country may carry out a sixth nuclear test or another missile launch on Tuesday. But no such event happened. Instead, Pyongyang marked it with what appears to be its largest recorded firing drill.
In response to what message China wants to convey to the DPRK, Geng said that China has kept normal relations with the DPRK at all times, and kept the diplomatic track open. As is known to all, including the DPRK, China holds a clear position on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.
"We are committed to realizing denuclearization of the Peninsula, upholding peace and stability, and properly resolving issues through dialogue and consultation," added Geng.
Geng reiterated that China has called on all parties to exercise restraint, take actions to de-escalate the tension instead of being provocative or adding fuel to the flame amid the soaring tensions on the Peninsula.
Geng's words echoed what Chinese President Xi Jinping told his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, on Monday during a phone conversation.
President Xi stressed that China is strongly against any action that would violate any UN Security Council resolutions, adding that only if all parties take their responsibilities and work together can the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue be solved.
China's special representative for Korean Peninsula affairs, Wu Dawei, will visit Japan for talks about the DPRK issue on Tuesday, Geng announced, adding that China hopes that all parties, including Japan, can work with China to promote an early peaceful resolution of the issue, and play the role, put forth the effort, and assume the responsibility that they should.
