Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry attend a joint press conference after their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 27, 2016. (Photo: Xinhua/Ding Haitao)
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry discussed the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, the South China Sea situation and other hot-spot affairs during a meeting in Beijing on Wednesday.
Wang expounded on China's stance on several issues of common concern at a joint press briefing following their close-door talks lasting about four hours.
KOREAN PENINSULA NUCLEAR ISSUE
China agrees the United Nations Security Council should pass a new resolution on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) following its nuclear test earlier this month, Wang said.
"The new resolution should aim to bring the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue back to the negotiating table, rather than stirring up tension or causing chaos on the peninsula," he stressed.
Sanctions are not an end in themselves and it is vital to restart dialogue and negotiation, said Wang.
China is willing to maintain all-round and profound consultations with all parties in a responsible way, including the U.S., said Wang.
Wang said China's stance on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue is clear, consistent and responsible, and will not be changed by any single incident or affected by sentiment.
China is committed to the denuclearization of the peninsula, maintaining its peace and stability, and resolving the issue through dialog and consultation, he said.
"China adheres to above-mentioned position and has made tremendous efforts over the years and fulfilled its responsibilities and obligations," said Wang.
"China refuses all groundless speculations and misinterpretations on its stance," he said.
SOUTH CHINA SEA
On the South China Sea situation, Wang urged the United States to be objective, fair and reasonable in the way it deals with the issue.
"On the islands and reefs stationed by China, we have built some necessary facilities for self defence. International law grants all sovereign states the right of self protection and self defence, and it has nothing to do with the so-called 'militarization'," said Wang.
Wang said the islands in the South China Sea have been China's territory since ancient times. China has the right to protect its territory, sovereignty and legitimate maritime rights and interests.
China is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, with dialogue playing an integral role in any dispute, and solutions achieved through peaceful negotiation, he added.
He said China and the United States should manage the sensitive issues in a constructive manner to prevent them from interfering the bilateral cooperation.
