China urges "meaningful dialogue to address concerns of both sides" over North Korea's projectile launches

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson: "Korea-China Relations Face Difficulties and Challenges"

On the 31st, regarding North Korea's launch of an object claimed to be a space launch vehicle, the Chinese government stated that "each party should resume meaningful dialogue to address concerns in a balanced manner."

Mao Ning, Spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Photo by Yonhap News

Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responded at a regular briefing that the current situation on the Korean Peninsula "has a clear context and is something China did not want to see," when asked to comment on North Korea's launch and the UN Security Council's accusations of violating resolutions.

Earlier, North Korea's National Aerospace Development Administration announced that "at 6:27 a.m., from the satellite launch site in Cholsan County, North Pyongan Province, the military reconnaissance satellite 'Malligyung-1' was launched aboard the new satellite carrier rocket 'Chollima-1'." They added, "'Chollima-1' lost propulsion and fell into the West Sea due to abnormal ignition of the second stage engine after the first stage separation during normal flight."

In response, spokesperson Mao emphasized, "The only way to prevent the situation from worsening is for all parties to face the absence of a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula, resume meaningful dialogue based on the concept of 'dual-track progress' (simultaneous progress on denuclearization and peace regime negotiations), and address each other's reasonable concerns in a balanced manner."

Mao also commented on the Korea-China foreign ministry director-level talks held on the 22nd, stating, "(The recent Korea-China relationship) is facing difficulties and challenges, and the responsibility does not lie with China." He said, "The Korean side must deeply recognize the root of the problem, take it seriously, and move forward facing China, working actively together for the sound and stable development of Korea-China relations."

Regarding trilateral cooperation among Korea, China, and Japan, he said, "Strengthening trilateral cooperation among China, Japan, and Korea aligns with the common interests of the three countries," and "China values trilateral cooperation." He added, "The three countries should jointly maintain the political foundation of their bilateral relations (Korea-China, China-Japan, Korea-Japan) and actively strive for the stable and sustainable development of trilateral cooperation."