Off the wire
• Quito tennis results  • Family is pillar of strength and support: Singapore PM in his Chinese New Year message  • German soccer results  • Short track speedskating results  • Paraguay defender Balbuena to undergo Corinthians medical  • Dutch soccer results  • Serie A results  • Dutch soccer standings  • 2nd LD Writethru: DPRK's rocket launch unacceptable, says Abe, gov't to lodge strong protest  • Italian Serie A standings  
You are here: 　 Home

Commentary: Vicious circle on Korean Peninsula benefits none

Xinhua, February 7, 2016 Adjust font size:

Ignoring stern global opposition and concern, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) fired an earth-observation satellite on Sunday in what is feared by many to be a disguised test of ballistic missile technology.

Regardless of its true nature, the launch marks a negative development of the situation on the Korean Peninsula as it has sparked extensive world anxiety and concern, and may lead to more sanctions.

However, amid critisim and condamnation, what should be borne in mind is that negotiations are the only viable solution to the predicament on the Korean Peninsula, As China has repeatedly pointed out.

The launch is reminiscent of the year 2012, in which Pyongyang sent a satellite into orbit, claiming it was aimed to carry out scientific research, but the West condemned it as a covered missile test, resulting in intensified UN sanctions.

The launch, which was carried out against relevant UN Security Council resolutions, is expected to produce many negative impacts. It has made the situation on the Korean Peninsula more complicated and may jeopardize the efforts to resume the six-party talks.

The tense developments on the peninsula have a lot to do with the suspension of the six-party talks designed to seek the Korean Peninsular denuclearization and a lack of trust between Pyongyang and Washington, the two key parties to the issue.

During the eight years since the six-party talks were stalled, the DPRK conducted four nuclear tests, resulting in the continuous escalation of tensions on the troubled peninsula.

As the holder of the presidency of the six-party talks, China has been making great efforts to bring the related parties back to the negotiating table, hoping to help find a way out through dialogue and political consultation.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China will continue to exercise strategic composure and play a constructive role in helping seek a solution to the peninsular conundrum.

Sanctions are definitely not the aim. It is highly hoped that all related parties would show restraint and good faith, and display political wisdom to help the situation on the Korean Peninsula develop in a good direction and ultimately realize peace and stability there, which is of great importance not only to the region but the world. Endi