China says its mineral trade with DPRK accords with UN resolutions

The current mineral resources trade between China and the DPRK accords with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and China's domestic laws, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

It was reported that Daniel Russel, U.S. assistant secretary of state for East Asia and the Pacific, said on Wednesday that China's purchases of coal and other economic activities have created a lifeline for the DPRK that reduces the impact of global sanctions.

Spokesperson Geng Shuang reiterated that China is opposed to the DPRK developing nuclear weapons and is committed to realizing denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

"This position is consistent and clear," Geng said at a press conference.

China is a responsible country and has faithfully implemented relevant UN Security Council resolutions and honored its international obligations in non-proliferation, Geng said.

"These efforts are clear for all to see," Geng said.

The cause and crux of the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue do not rest with China, and the core of the issue is the conflict between the DPRK and the United States.

The United States should take due responsibility to play a constructive role in solving the issue, Geng said, noting that China will continue to make unremitting efforts for proper settlement.

The Chinese side urges all parties to keep in mind the big picture and make genuine efforts for achieving denuclearization, peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula, Geng said.

In response to recent reports that the United States is investigating a number of Chinese companies for suspected breaches of the sanctions against the DPRK, Geng said any misconduct by any enterprise or individual, once found and confirmed, will be dealt with seriously.

We stand ready to cooperate with relevant countries in this process on the basis of mutual respect and equal treatment, the spokesperson said.

If any country tries to exercise "long-arm jurisdiction" by enforcing its domestic laws over Chinese enterprises and individuals, we are firmly opposed to that, Geng said. Endi