GT poll finds people scared of war (4)

Zhang Xiao'an, a deputy head of the UN Association of China, told the Global Times in an earlier interview that the North only wants to solve problems with the US directly.

"As long as Washington doesn't change its stance, even if China keeps pulling Pyongyang back to the negotiation table, it wouldn't create much progress," Zhang said.

Jin Qiangyi pointed to Pyongyang as calling the shots, saying that the North has forced all the other players into a passive position.

"It will decide when and how to back off as the situation evolves," he noted.

South Korean President Park Geun-hye made clear Friday that dialogue is an essential first step toward defusing the situation with North Korea, the South's Yonhap News Agency reported.

This was the second time Park has addressed the need for dialogue with Pyongyang.

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