China's Chief Nuclear Envoy on North Korea's Missiles: "Support for Korean Peninsula Denuclearization" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] Liu Xiaoming (劉曉明), China’s chief representative for North Korean nuclear issues and Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Affairs, stated on the 4th regarding North Korea’s ballistic missile launch that "we support denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and it must be resolved through peaceful means."

Before visiting Choi Jong-geon, First Vice Foreign Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the ministry’s building in Doryeom-dong, Seoul, Liu told reporters when asked about "China’s stance on North Korea’s missile launch," that "China’s position has been made very clear," and expressed a fundamental stance by saying "we support a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula." This reiterated the basic position that political efforts must be made for denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Liu further emphasized, "We still stress that process," adding, "First is denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, second is efforts for peace and stability, and third is that the issue must be resolved through peaceful means."

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the meeting with Liu, Vice Minister Choi expressed concern over North Korea’s continuous violations of United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions, including the ballistic missile launch on that day, and the possibility of a seventh nuclear test. He also emphasized the importance of North Korea returning to the dialogue table to present its position and urged China to play an active role in facilitating North Korea’s return to North Korea-US talks.

Liu reportedly shared the view on the importance of stable management of the Korean Peninsula situation and reiterated China’s position to continue playing a constructive role in denuclearization and safeguarding peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Additionally, both sides agreed to continue cooperation to further mature and develop their bilateral relationship in a future-oriented manner, marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.

On the same day, Liu also held a private meeting with Park Jin, nominee for Minister of Foreign Affairs, at an undisclosed location in Seoul, and reportedly met with Kim Tae-hyo, the incoming government’s first deputy director of the National Security Office and a member of the transition committee’s foreign and security affairs division. The meetings between Liu and the incoming government officials likely involved exchanges of views on China’s position and interests regarding the North Korean nuclear issue, the next government’s stance on North Korea nuclear response, and future cooperation directions.

The transition committee stated in its final national agenda announced the previous day that it "will lead the constructive roles of China and Russia for North Korea’s denuclearization."

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