China says ‘dual suspension’ proposal still best for N Korea

BEIJING: China said on Thursday a “dual suspension” proposal to handle North Korea was still the best option, after US President Donald Trump said he and President Xi J in ping rejected a“freeze for freeze” agreement.

China and Russia have proposed that the US and South Korea stop major military exercises in exchange for North Korea halting its weapons programmes.

China formally calls the idea the “dual suspension” proposal.

Speaking on his return from Asia on Wednesday, Trump said he and Xi had rejected a “freeze for freeze” agreement, but it was not clear if he was referring to the “dual suspension” idea, which China’s foreign minister announced in March.

Asked how China understood Trump’s remarks, and if he agreed with Trump’ s character isat ion of what the US leader said he agreed with Xi, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said only through talks that addressed all sides legiti- mate security concerns could there be a peaceful resolution.

“We believe that the ‘dual suspension’ proposal is the most feasible, fair and sensible plan in the present situation,” Geng told a daily news briefing.

“Not only can it relieve the present tense situation, it can also resolve all parties’ pressing security concerns, and provide an opportunity and create conditions to resume talks, and find a breakthrough point to get out of trouble,” he added.