PRESS CONFERENCE WITH PRC MFA SPOKESPERSON
(translation courtesy of me/@Chen_Tongzhi)
PRC MFA spokesperson Hong Lei held a press conference on April 9, 2013
Q: The DPRK announced the closing of the Kaesong Industrial Park yesterday and today suggested that foreign organizations, business and tourists in the ROK to prepare an evacuation strategy. What comments does the does the Chinese-side have to the aforementioned actions?
A: Concerning the DPRK’s temporary closure of the Kaesong Industrial Park, the Chinese-side believes that the improvement of North-South relations and the cooperative settling of differences are of benefit to peace and stability on the peninsula. The present situation on the Korea Peninsula is complicated and sensitive, and we hope that all relevant sides will do more to benefit the peninsula’s peace and stability.
Concerning the DPRK-side’s suggestion for foreign nationals to evacuate, the Chinese-side believes that the present situation on the Korea Peninsula is complicated and sensitive; the Chinese-side opposes any side taking action to increase tensions, and also oppose any side taking action that would injure the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula.
Q: If the DPRK were to carry out a fourth nuclear test or rocket launch after the 10th, how would the Chinese-side react?
A: The Chinese-side consistently advocates the protection of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and the Northeast Asia region, pushes for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and calls upon all sides to resolve relevant problems through dialogue and negotiations. Under the current situation, we urge all relevant sides to not take any actions to escalate an already tense situation, to remain calm and restrained, to return to dialogue as soon as possible, promote a mediation of the situation and an early restart of the Six Party Talks; [we also advocate] a balanced resolution to the concerns of all sides, push for the progression of the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and dedicate ourselves to the realization of lasting tranquility in Northeast Asia and the Korean Peninsula
(Question concerning death of Margaret Thatcher and the-Chinese side’s reaction)
Q: Former UK Prime Minister, Lady Thatcher passed away from a stroke on the 8th. What comments does the does the Chinese-side have in regards to this?
A: Lady Thatcher was a distinguished politician; she made important contributions in the development of Sino-UK relations, especially in the peaceful resolution of the Hong Kong question in her lifetime. The Chinese-side expresses sorrow at Lady Thatcher’s unfortunate passing and extends sympathy to her family.
Q: The Chinese-side has always advocated the maintenance of dialogue and communication between all concerned sides in the question of Korean (de)nuclearization, has opposed any provocative statements, and has also opposed the DPRK carrying out nuclear tests and rocket launches. Despite this, the DPRK’s go against this standpoint. What comments does the does the Chinese-side have in regards to this?
A: Protecting the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula is in line with the shared interests of all sides, and is also the shared responsibility for all sides to shoulder. We hope that all relevant sides will conscientiously uphold their responsibilities, protect regional peace and stability overall, not take any provocative actions, not cause an already tense situation to escalate one step further, and seek a mediation of the situation. At the same time [we hope that all sides will] set off from the long-term, restart of the Six Party Talks at the earliest date, maintain dialogue and contact, improve relations, push for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and seek lasting tranquility in Northeast Asia. The Chinese-side’s stance on the question of Korean (de)nuclearization is consistent and clear; for the [sake of the] protection of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia Region, we make persistent efforts to push for the progress of denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula, and intend to continue doing so.
