Ryu Xiaoming, China's North Korea Nuclear Representative, Says "Resolution of Korean Peninsula Issue Depends on North Korea and the US"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Liu Xiaoming, China's Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Affairs, arrived in South Korea on the 1st to discuss North Korea policy.

Upon entering through Incheon Airport in the afternoon, Representative Liu told reporters, "I plan to meet with officials from the current and new South Korean governments to seek a political solution to the Korean Peninsula issue."

When asked about his stance on the North Korean nuclear threat, Representative Liu said, "We support denuclearization, but we believe the security of all countries must also be considered," adding, "We will address not only the apparent symptoms but also the fundamental causes."

Representative Liu emphasized, "The key to resolving the Korean Peninsula issue does not lie with China, but in the hands of the United States and North Korea." He continued, "The root cause of hostility between North Korea and the U.S. is deep mutual distrust," and added, "We hope both sides will engage in meaningful and sincere dialogue."

Representative Liu stated, "We oppose any actions that raise tensions," and expressed hope to find ways to reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula through consultations with the South Korean side.

On the 3rd, Representative Liu will hold talks with his counterpart, Noh Kyu-duk, Director-General for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both sides plan to share assessments of the recent situation on the Korean Peninsula and discuss cooperation measures for stable management of the situation.

During his visit, Representative Liu is scheduled to meet with Choi Jong-geon, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, and is also expected to meet officials from the Ministry of Unification and the National Security Office. He is also set to meet with personnel from the Presidential Transition Committee and other members of the next government, although it is reported that a direct meeting with Kim Sung-han, the nominee for National Security Office chief, is unlikely.

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