Politics
18:19, 14-May-2018
China appreciates DPRK's efforts in pushing for denuclearization
["china"]
Share
Copied
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s decision to dismantle its nuclear test site is a sign that shows the country's goodwill in advancing the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lu Kang on Monday.
DPRK's state media reported last Saturday that the dismantling of its nuclear test site will take place sometime between May 23 and 25 so as to uphold its previous pledge to discontinue nuclear tests.
Democratic People's Republic of Korea leader Kim Jong Un (R) meets US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Pyongyang, May 9, 2018. /VCG Photo
Democratic People's Republic of Korea leader Kim Jong Un (R) meets US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Pyongyang, May 9, 2018. /VCG Photo
The country’s central news agency also said the dismantling would involve collapsing all of the nuclear test ground's tunnels with explosives, blocking its entrances and removing all observation facilities, research buildings and security posts.
According to Lu, DPRK's olive branch will build mutual trust with all related parties and should be welcomed and supported by the international community.
US: 'Lift sanctions' if DPRK dismantles
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said US is willing to “lift sanctions” to pave the way for private American investment in DPRK’s energy, agriculture and infrastructure sectors if the country agrees to completely dismantle its nuclear weapons program, a move that would create economic prosperity that “will rival” that of the ROK.
“What Chairman Kim (Kim Jong Un) will get from America is our finest – our entrepreneurs, our risk takers, our capital providers. [...] They will get private capital that comes in. North Korea (DPRK) is desperately in need of energy [...] for their people. They are in great need of agricultural equipment and technology,” he said on CBS' "Face the Nation."
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks at his meeting with DPRK leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang, May 9, 2018. /VCG Photo
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks at his meeting with DPRK leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang, May 9, 2018. /VCG Photo
“We can create conditions for real economic prosperity for the DPRK people that will rival that of the South,” he added, claiming that the US is not going to use taxpayer dollars to help the country.
Chinese spokesperson Lu spoke highly about Pompeo's remarks, noting that solving the Korean Peninsula issue through dialogue is something that China has long been advocated.
Lu added that China encouraged all related parties to keep efforts in alleviating tensions of the Korean Peninsula.
(Top photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang on a press conference. /Xinhua Photo)
(With inputs from Reuters)