Chinese Foreign Ministry reiterates position on DPRK in response to Trump tweets

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Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang on Tuesday reiterated China’s consistent and clear position on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, in response to the US President-elect Donald Trump’s recent tweets that questions China’s efforts on DPRK’s nuclear issue.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang speaks at a press briefing in Beijing, China on January 3, 2017. /MOFA Photo

“The efforts we have made towards resolving the Korean nuclear issue are clear for all to see, and our contributions are also widely acknowledged by the international community. Everyone should be very clear of China's hard work and what had been achieved because of our work as the chair of the Six-Party Talks,” Geng said.

Trump tweeted on Tuesday that “China has been taking out massive amounts of money & wealth from the U.S. in totally one-sided trade, but won’t help with North Korea. Nice!”

Screenshot of Trump's tweet

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has taken an active part in all deliberations concerning the Korean nuclear issue, and supported the passage of several resolutions pertinent to the issue along with other members, which all reflect China’s responsible attitude, Geng noted.

He further stressed China’s consistent position that the country remains committed to realizing denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, maintaining peace and stability of the Peninsula, and resolving the issue through dialogue and consultation.

In regard to China-US economic relations, Geng said that the economic cooperation and trade between two sides is mutually beneficial, which is a proven fact.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang speaks at a press briefing in Beijing, China on January 3, 2017. /MOFA Photo‍

“Issues besetting China-US business ties shall be properly settled by the two sides on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. China and the US should work together to ensure the sound and steady development of business ties as this serves the interests of the two sides,” the spokesperson stated.

Trump made another tweet earlier saying that “North Korea just stated that it is in the final stages of developing a nuclear weapon capable of reaching parts of the U.S. It won’t happen!”

Screenshot of Trump's tweet

This tweet was in response to DPRK leader Kim Jong Un, who said in his annual New Year’s speech that his country's preparation to test-fire an intercontinental ballistic rocket had entered a final stage.

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