China will continue to be a switchman in future, shifting the Korean Peninsula's issue of nuclearization back on track to seek a negotiated settlement, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Wang was responding to a question regarding rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula at a press conference on March 8 on the sidelines of the ongoing Fifth Session of the 12th National People's Congress.

But tensions are again rising on the peninsula, Wang noted. On the one hand, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), ignoring international opposition, has insisted on advancing its nuclear program and launched ballistic missiles in violation of UN Security Council resolutions. On the other hand, the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have conducted large-scale joint military exercises, ramping up the military pressure on the DPRK. Wang likens the situation to two fast trains running with accelerated speed head-on to each other, with neither wishing to give way.

Given this, he said the current priority is to flash the red light and apply brakes on both trains.

China insists on peaceful resolution of the peninsula nuclear issue, Wang said. To solve the looming crisis, the foreign minister suggests that efforts be done by both sides, with the first step being the DPRK suspending its launching activities and the United States and ROK halt their military exercises. This will bring both parties back to the negotiation table, he said.

China advocates not just implementing sanctions but also restarting talks. The issue is between the DPRK and the United States, Wang stressed. As a next door neighbor of the peninsula, China is indispensable to the resolution of the nuclear issue, Wang said. Nuclear weapons will not bring security, the use of force is no solution, talks deserve another chance, and peace is still within the grasp, he stressed.

Copyedited by Bryan Michael Galvan

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