Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets the press on the sidelines of the second session of the 13th National People's Congress, March 8, 2019. Wang takes questions regarding China's foreign policy and diplomatic relations. (Photo from People’s Daily Online)

“The key to solving the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula lies in not being a prisoner of history and breaking the cycle of mistrust,” Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at a press conference on China's foreign policy and relations on the sidelines of the second session of the 13th National People's Congress in Beijing.

He said it would be useful to jointly work out a general roadmap for denuclearization and the establishment of a peace regime.

Wang added that the Hanoi summit was an important step toward a political settlement of the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula. The fact that DPRK and US leaders overcame obstacles to meet again for a candid, face-to-face discussion itself represents a positive development that must be applauded. The international community should encourage both sides to have patience and keep moving toward the goal of denuclearizing the peninsula and establishing a peace regime.

“If the parties continue their dialogue and stay the course, the day will come when the denuclearization of the peninsula will become a reality,” Wang Yi said.

The minister pointed out that as the nuclear issue has dragged on for decades and complicated factors are at play, one cannot expect it to be solved overnight. All parties need to have reasonable expectations. One shouldn’t set the bar too high at the outset or make unilateral, unrealistic demands.

Wang Yi stressed that China’s position on the issue has been consistent.

“We are committed to achieving the denuclearization of the peninsula, to solving the issue through dialogue and to maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula. We have been working for these goals for over 20 years and our role has been irreplaceable. China will, along with the other parties, continue to contribute to meeting these goals,” he stressed.