China committed to denuclearization of Korean Peninsula: FM

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivers a speech at the General Debate of the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York, Sept. 21, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Thursday that China is firmly committed to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula during his speech at the General Debate of the 72nd session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.

"The planet does not need any new nuclear power," Wang said.

Wang urged the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) not to go its own way in a dangerous direction. Meanwhile, he urged the United States to honor its "Four Nos" commitment to the DPRK, and called for all parties concerned to play constructive roles in relieving tensions in the region.

The "Four Nos" commitment was stated by U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Aug. 1, and refers to Washington's promise not to seek a regime change in Pyongyang, not to seek the collapse of the DPRK government, not to seek the acceleration of a reunified Korean Peninsula, and not to send its military north of the 38th Parallel that acts as the boundary between the DPRK and the Republic of Korea.

"We should not give up when a peaceful settlement still stands a chance, and strive for negotiation as it is the only solution. Respective parties should meet each other halfway and address each other's reasonable concerns," said Wang.

By the time the peninsula realizes denuclearization, a peace mechanism should also be established, he said.

Wang further pointed out that China is committed to promoting peace and has been making continuous efforts to the peaceful settlement of the issue.

"Whatever changes may take place, no matter how long it will take, and whatever difficulties we may face, China will stay firmly committed to the denuclearization of the peninsula," said Wang.

China will stick to the direction of dialogue and negotiation, and will firmly safeguard regional peace, he said.

On China's global role, Wang said his country will bring more dividends of peace, development and governance to the world.

China is an advocate of world peace and multilateralism and an engine for development, he said.

China has always linked its dream with the common dream of the whole world, and helps with common development, Wang said, adding China is willing to work with other countries to build a better future for mankind.

At the General Debate two years ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for the building of a new type of international relations featuring win-win cooperation and the building of a community of shared future for mankind, said Wang.

Xi's appeal, which is in line with the purposes of the UN Charter and the aspirations of UN member states, has won the widespread support of the international community and has become a common goal, said Wang.