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Commentary: For peace on Korea Peninsula, all sides should exercise restraint

Xinhua, January 11, 2016 Adjust font size:

Days after the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) triggered widespread concern by announcing it has conducted a successful test of its first H-bomb, the United States, in a move that is bound to escalate tension in the region, flied a B-52 strategic bomber over South Korea.

The U.S. military was unequivocal that the flight of the nuclear-capable massive bomber was "in response to recent provocative action by the North Korea" (DPRK), but it failed to notice that the sabre-rattling would further weigh on the delicate situation on the Korean Peninsula.

The United States is not the only one that has mounted hawkish response against Pyongyang's fourth nuclear test since 2006.

Almost on the heels of the DPRK's claimed H-bomb test, South Korea resumed its propaganda broadcasts against the DPRK, four months after it turned off the high-decibel loudspeakers along the border.

If history offers any guide, such pressure tactics by Washington and Seoul could hardly succeed in subduing Pyongyang's nuclear ambition. On the contrary, they would help harden Pyongyang's resolve to go further in its pursuit of nuclear capabilities.

To restore stability on the peninsula, all sides first of all have to exercise restraint and refrain from any actions that may worsen an already fragile situation.

For the United States and its allies in the region, they need to make a convincing case about their proclaimed commitment to stability on the Korean Peninsula and beyond.

For the DPRK, it needs to understand that by repeatedly violating its non-proliferation obligations, it is making itself increasingly isolated by the international community.

As a close neighbor and a staunch supporter of peace on the Korean Peninsula, China, along with some other members of the international community, has made great efforts to help achieve lasting peace on the peninsula.

China opposes any move that could further complicate the situation on the peninsula and believes it is imperative that all sides exercise restraint and work jointly for an early resumption of the long-stalled six-party talks, which still stands out as the most promising way out of the decade-old security conundrum. Endi