The relevant Security Council resolutions have clear provisions the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s launch activities using the ballistic missile technology. China opposes the DPRK’s missile launches in violation of Security Council resolutions. Resolution 2356 (2017), adopted by the Council today, has demonstrated the united position of the international community against the development of nuclear and missile programs by the DPRK. At the same time, the resolution reiterates the importance of maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in North-East Asia at large, expresses its commitment to a peaceful, diplomatic and political solution to the situation and stresses the importance of reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula by all relevant parties. China calls on all parties to fully and comprehensively implement Security Council resolutions related to the DPRK and strive for a peaceful settlement of the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue via “Double Strengthening” efforts to promote non-proliferation and dialogue.

The current situation on the Korean Peninsula is complex and sensitive. Meanwhile, there is a critical window of opportunity for returning to the right track of seeking a settlement to the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue through dialogue and negotiation. All relevant parties should exercise restraint and do more to ease the tensions and build mutual trust, instead of the opposite.

As a near neighbor of the Korean Peninsula, China always stands for denuclearization on the Peninsula, peace and stability of the Peninsula and settlement of the issue through dialogue and negotiations, and opposes turbulence and war on the Korean Peninsula. In view of recent developments on the Peninsula, China has proposed the “dual-track” approach which aims to promote parallel progress in denuclearization and the establishment of a peace mechanism on the Peninsula. China has also put forward the “suspension-for-suspension” proposal, which calls for the suspension of nuclear and missile activities by the DPRK and the suspension of massive military exercises by the United States and the Republic of Korea. Those proposals are feasible. We hope that all relevant parties could give serious thoughts and make a constructive response. China is open to salutary proposals from various parties.

We hope that all relevant parties will work with China to keep pushing for dialogue and negotiations in order to seek a solution to the problems on the Korean Peninsula within the framework of the Six-Party Talks, and continue to work actively and constructively towards to goal of early denuclearization and enduring peace and security on the Korean Peninsula.

Thank you, Mr. President.

(Photo by Li Muzi, Xinhua News Agency)