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Seoul's unilateral sanctions against DPRK should not undermine China's interests: FM

Xinhua, March 9, 2016 Adjust font size:

China on Wednesday said Seoul's unilateral sanctions against Pyongyang over its recent nuclear test and satellite launch should not undermine China's legitimate interests.

The ROK announced unilateral sanctions just days after the UN Security Council adopted a resolution to curb the DPRK's nuclear and missile program. The ROK has banned third-country ships that have stopped at DPRK ports in the past 180 days from entering ROK waters, among other punitive measures.

"Unilateral sanctions are not a solution to the problem and should not undermine China's legitimate interests," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said at a regular news briefing.

"Facing the sensitive and complicated situation on the Korean Peninsula, China urges all sides to act in a cautious and calm manner to avoid escalation of tension," Hong said.

He called on all parties to do more that contributes to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula following DPRK leader Kim Jong Un's statement that his country's nuclear warheads "have been standardized to be fit for ballistic missiles" through miniaturization.

Asked to confirm if China had provided the DPRK with HOWO trucks allegedly used in the latter's artillery battery, Hong said China has always implemented UN resolutions and fulfilled its international responsibilities.

"China will continue to control items prohibited by Security Council resolutions," the spokesperson said.

Asked if a DPRK cargo ship that was reportedly banned from entering Rizhao port in east China has to do with the UN resolution, Hong said "I have no information, but China will implement Resolution 2270."

Resolution 2270 not only touches on sanctions against the DPRK but also calls for the resumption of the six-party talks to resolve the Korean Peninsula nuclear problem through dialogue, Hong said.

The spokesperson urged comprehensive and balanced implementation of the resolution. Endi