China Maintains "Resolving Issues Through Dialogue and Negotiation" Amid North Korea's Expected Nuclear Test

In Regular Briefing, "Urging the United States for Substantive Action as Soon as Possible"

Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Photo by AFP, Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] China has stated its position that it upholds the realization of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the resolution of issues through dialogue and negotiations regarding North Korea's nuclear issue.

On the 28th, Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing in response to a question about the South Korean National Intelligence Service's analysis that North Korea might conduct its 7th nuclear test between October and November, "China consistently upholds the protection of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula."

Spokesperson Wang added, "The political resolution process of the Korean Peninsula issue has been stalled in recent years," and explained, "This is because North Korea has not received answers to its legitimate and reasonable concerns."

He continued, "We hope all parties find a balanced way to address concerns according to the principles of 'Ssang-gwe Byeongjin' (雙軌竝進, the parallel advancement of the denuclearization process and the North Korea-US peace agreement negotiations) and 'gradual and simultaneous principles,'" emphasizing, "The United States should take substantive actions as soon as possible to respond to North Korea's concerns and create conditions for the meaningful resumption of dialogue."

Earlier, the National Intelligence Service reported at a closed full meeting of the National Assembly Intelligence Committee on the same day that "if North Korea carries out the 7th nuclear test, it is likely to occur between October 16 and November 7," adding, "The third tunnel at Punggye-ri has been completed, increasing the likelihood of a nuclear test."

Yoo Sangbeom, a member of the National Assembly Intelligence Committee from the People Power Party, stated in a press briefing, "When asked about the possibility of the (7th) nuclear test, the National Intelligence Service predicted that if it happens, it is highly likely to occur between after the 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party on October 16 and before the U.S. midterm elections on November 7," clarifying, "If they said so, it was not meant as a probability or actual likelihood."