Amid North Korea's successive provocations... US: "Priority challenge, China must exercise influence over North Korea"

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] The U.S. Department of State has stated that North Korea, which has continued ballistic missile provocations this year, is a "top priority issue" for the United States. It also urged China to exercise its influence over North Korea for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

According to the State Department, spokesperson Ned Price confirmed during a press briefing on the 27th (local time) that the recent North Korean missile provocations were discussed during a phone call between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi the previous day.

Spokesperson Price made it clear that North Korea remains a continuous topic in U.S.-China dialogue. He also emphasized, "We have consistently urged China to use its influence over North Korea constructively," stating that this is for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Regarding North Korea's recent series of ballistic missile provocations, he said, "We have clearly seen North Korea's provocations." He added, "We have no hostile intent," and "the decision rests with North Korea."

He continued, "We are prepared to engage in serious and sustained diplomacy just as seriously as we take North Korea's provocations."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.