China urges restraint over North Korea crisis

CHINESE President Xi Jinping has called for restraint when dealing with North Korea during a telephone call with President Donald Trump, Chinese state media has reported, amid speculation that Pyongyang could soon carry out a sixth nuclear test.

The official broadcaster CCTV quoted Mr Xi as telling Mr Trump that China strongly opposes North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme, which is in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions, and hopes “all parties will exercise restraint and avoid aggravating the situation” on the Korean Peninsula.

The Trump administration has warned that all options, including a military strike, are on the table to halt North Korea’s ambitions of developing a nuclear-tipped missile that could reach the US mainland.

However, US officials have told the Associated Press that a military response is unlikely.

Mr Trump has reportedly settled on a strategy which emphasises increasing pressure on Pyongyang with the help of China.

“Only if all sides bear the responsibilities they’re supposed to bear and come together, can the nuclear issue on the peninsula be resolved as quickly as possible,” Mr Xi told Mr Trump, according to CCTV.

The phone call came as South Korean officials warned there is a chance that the North will conduct a nuclear test or an intercontinental missile launch around the founding anniversary of its military today.

Mr Trump has pressed Mr Xi to exert greater pressure against North Korea, given China’s status as the country’s sole economic lifeline and major ally.