China hopes for nuclear issue settlement

CHINA hopes the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the United States can make progress in dialog to promote settlement of the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, a foreign ministry spokesman said yesterday.

DPRK has showed readiness to talk with the US.

Foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said at a daily news briefing that China welcomes the progress DPRK and South Korea have made in carrying out dialog and improving relations.

“The core of the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue is a security issue,” Lu said, adding that settlement of the core issue relies on DPRK and the US.

When asked that DPRK and South Korea may discuss resuming regular reunions of families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War, Lu said: “For both countries in the region and the international community, it will be one thing that makes them pleased if DPRK and South Korea hold family reunions once again. It is encouraging that the two sides have released a series of positive signals recently in improving their relationship.”

China hopes the two sides will seize the opportunity, continue to show goodwill toward each other, and maintain the momentum of cooperation and dialog, Lu said, adding that both sides should make concrete efforts to improve their relationship, ease regional situation and maintain peace and stability on the peninsula.