China says new UN resolution on DPRK "generally balanced"

A senior Chinese diplomat said here on Tuesday that the latest UN resolution on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is "an outcome of many rounds of consultations by all parties concerned" and is " generally balanced."

Li Baodong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, made the remarks after the UN Security Council (UNSC) unanimously adopted a resolution condemning the DPRK's satellite launch of Dec. 12, 2012.

"The resolution is an outcome of many rounds of consultations by all parties concerned, which not only shows the stance of the international community on the DPRK's satellite launch, but also delivers some positive information, including calling for a peaceful solution to the (Korean) Peninsula issue through dialogue and negotiation as well as the resumption of the six-party talks," Li said.

According to the Chinese envoy, the latest resolution, which requires the DPRK to comply with all relevant resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council and not to use ballistic missile technology for any launch, is "generally balanced."

Li pointed out that China holds a "clear and consistent" stance on the issue of the DPRK's satellite launch, adding that the Security Council's response should be "prudent and moderate," be conducive to peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula, and help avoid the progressive escalation of tensions.

"Based on this principle, China has participated in a very constructive manner in the UNSC consultations and just voted in favor of the latest resolution," he noted.