South Korea's and China's top nuclear envoys met in Seoul on Tuesday to discuss the security situation on the Korean Peninsula in the wake of North Korea's escalating nuclear and missile threats.
According to reports, Liu Xiaoming, Beijing's special representative for Korean Peninsula affairs, is on his first visit to Seoul since taking office in April 2021, at a time of heightened tensions over Pyongyang's recent missile launches and signs of preparations for another nuclear test. He met with his South Korean colleague, Noh Kyu-duk, at the foreign ministry office in his first public appearance here, ostensibly to share their assessments of the regional security situation.
Liu voiced concern about the escalating tensions on the peninsula and underlined China's determination to play a "constructive role," but said Pyongyang and Washington have the key to a resolution. "The tense situation on the Peninsula is causing China concern. We urge all sides to maintain their composure and moderation, and we condemn any action that could exacerbate tensions "On Sunday, he said on his Twitter page.
He stated that China is willing to engage with South Korea to advance "the political resolution process" on the issue, identifying the two countries as "major cooperation partners." Last month, the top nuclear envoys from South Korea and the United States decided to work together to advocate for a new UN Security Council resolution condemning North Korea's latest missile launches. However, its chances are slim, as China and Russia, both permanent members with veto power, have taken a cautious approach to slapping new sanctions on North Korea.
South Korean embassy officials return to Kiev
S.Korean President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol to attend 2023 Davos Forum
N.Korean Defectors' group sends balloons carrying propaganda leaflets