I thank Assistant Secretary-General Mohamed Khaled Khiari for his briefing and welcome the Permanent Representatives of the DPRK and the ROK at today's meeting.

China takes note of the satellite launch announced by the DPRK on November 22 and of the reactions of parties concerned. China takes note of the series of launches by the DPRK as well as the ongoing military activities of the countries concerned on the Peninsula. China is deeply concerned about the escalation of antagonism and confrontation and the continued tension on the Peninsula, which is increasingly becoming a downward spiral.

If the situation on the Peninsula is allowed to deteriorate in this way, it may eventually spiral out of control. It will only jeopardize the fundamental interests of the countries in Northeast Asia, undermine the  efforts and achievements made by all parties over the past several decades for a political settlement of the Peninsula issue, and will only add new turbulence and instability to an already troubled world. This is a source of great concern to China.

This year, the Council has held seven public meetings to consider the DPRK nuclear issue as well as a number of closed consultations. China has already expressed fully its positions. Today, I would like to underline only a few points.

First, the security of all countries is indivisible, and no country can pursue its own absolute security at the expense of the security of others. If the DPRK constantly feels threatened, and its legitimate security concerns remain unresolved, the Peninsula will be unable to get out of the security dilemma and only be caught in a vicious cycle of tit-for-tat assertive moves.

Second, the core of the Peninsula issue unresolved for decades as the remainder of the Cold War lies in the absence of a peace mechanism. In line with the dual track approach, all parties should promote in parallel denuclearization and the establishment of a peace mechanism on the Peninsula and address through dialogue and in a balanced manner their respective legitimate concerns, including the legitimate security concerns of the DPRK. This is the fundamental way to solve the Peninsula issue.

Third, a favorable environment is indispensable for the resolution of the Peninsula issue. While claiming to be concerned about the tension on the Peninsula, the U.S. has taken the opportunity to strengthen the military alliances, provoke bloc confrontation, and mobilize the allies for military exercises, thus further aggravating the tension and confrontation on the Peninsula. Such practices run counter to the goal of denuclearization and the maintenance of peace and stability on the Peninsula.

Fourth, history has taught us that dialogue and negotiation is the only correct solution to the Peninsula issue. If the U.S. is genuine in their engagement in unconditional dialogue with the DPRK and in their wish to break the current impasse, it should refrain from pressure tactics such as military exercises and dispatch of strategic weapons and should  come up with practical and feasible proposals to rebuild mutual trust between the two sides and encourage the DPRK to join the dialogue and negotiations.

Fifth, the humanitarian issue is a very good entry point for building trust and resuming dialogue. The draft resolution proposed jointly by China and Russia on this issue at the Council aimed at easing the humanitarian situation in the country and creating momentum and conditions for the resuming dialogue and turning around the situation. The significance of the draft revolution is even more pronounced under the current circumstances. We hope that all parties will give it a positive consideration.

Sixth, the Council bears the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security and naturally should also commit to the maintenance of peace and security on the Peninsula. The Council should aims at deescalation and facilitation of dialogue and negotiation, rather than simple sanctions and pressure and still less, hold meetings for the sake of meetings and voice for the sake of voicing. The facilitation for political settlement and the enhancement of unity and mutual trust is the key to the preservation of reputation and authority of the Council.

In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that as a closed neighbor of the Peninsula and responsible major country, China has always been committed to the maintenance of peace and stability on the Peninsula and its denuclearization. We will remain active in maintaining stability and promoting talks and play a constructive role in facilitate the resumption of engagement and dialogue between the parties in order to promote a political settlement to the Peninsula issue and the realization of long-term peace and stability in Northeast Asia.

The Second Round of Remarks by Ambassador Geng Shuang at the UN Security Council Briefing on the Korean Peninsula Nuclear Issue

In a stock of the statement by the U.S., they quoted me. But regrettably, the quote is not accurate. To make sure that you could understand China's position better and more clearly, I would like to repeat some of my statement. The security of all countries is indivisible, and no country can pursue its own absolute security at the expense of the security of others. If the DPRK constantly feels threatened, and its legitimate security concerns remain unresolved, the Peninsula will be unable to get out of the security dilemma and only be caught in a vicious cycle of tit-for-tat assertive moves. That's what I said just now.

At last, I would like to point out that the stakeholders and the main parties are here on this table. I've listened attentively to your statements, and have found that the positions are very different and even conflicting. I think it means assumption of engagement, building of mutual trust and resumption of dialogue are very important. China is ready to make continued efforts and hopes that all the parties concerned and stakeholders will make efforts to this end.