US Secretary of State: "China Has Responsibility to Prevent North Korea's Nuclear and Missile Tests"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo Yujin] The U.S. Department of State stated on the 14th (local time) that China must play a role in preventing North Korea from conducting nuclear and missile tests.

Vedant Patel, Senior Deputy Spokesperson of the State Department, said in response to a question about what role is expected from China regarding the North Korean nuclear issue, "We will continue to engage with China to manage the real threats posed by North Korea."

He added, "We must limit North Korea's ability to advance illegal ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction (WMD). We urge North Korea to refrain from further provocations and to engage in sustained and substantive dialogue."

When asked whether sanctions against Chinese financial institutions would be considered to pressure North Korea, Patel avoided a direct answer, stating, "We do not disclose sanction matters in advance."

Regarding the appointment of a special envoy for North Korean human rights, currently vacant, he responded, "There is no particular announcement to make at this time."

On the issue of North Korean human rights, he said, "North Korea is one of the most repressive and authoritarian countries, and the human rights situation there is deplorable."

He continued, "We remain concerned about the human rights situation in North Korea. We will work with the international community to highlight human rights abuses and violence and promote respect for human rights in North Korea."

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