Beijing concerned with rising North Korea tensions, envoy says in Seoul
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[May 02, 2022] By
Josh Smith
SEOUL (Reuters) - Beijing is concerned
about the tense situation on the Korean peninsula, China's Korean
affairs envoy said as he arrived for talks in Seoul this week, adding
that both the symptoms and root cause of tensions needed to be
addressed.
Amid stalled denuclearisation talks, North Korea has conducted a flurry
of weapons tests this year, from hypersonic missiles to intercontinental
ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
North Korea had not conducted an ICBM or nuclear weapons test since
2017. Officials in Seoul and Washington say there are signs of
preparations for a new nuclear test.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2022/May/02/images/ads/current/castlemanor_sda_FINANCIAL_2017.png)
The "legitimate and reasonable concerns of all parties" need to be
acknowledged for there to be a political settlement, Liu Xiaoming,
Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Korean Peninsula
Affairs, told reporters at Seoul's airport late on Sunday.
"We call on all parties to stay cool-headed and exercise restraint, and
we disapprove (of) actions by any party that could escalate tension," he
said in a summary of his remarks on Twitter.
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![](../images/050222pics/news_s39.jpg)
South Korean soldiers stand guard at the truce village of Panmunjom
inside the demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas, South
Korea, April 18, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji/File Photo
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2022/May/02/images/ads/current/debbiesfloral_lda_MOTHERSDAY_2022.png)
In his first visit to South Korea since taking office
in April 2021, Liu is due to meet his South Korean counterpart,
nuclear envoy Noh Kyu-duk, on Tuesday. He may also meet
representatives of South Korean President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol, who
takes office on May 10, Yonhap news agency reported.
The United States has pushed for more United Nations sanctions on
the North. But China and Russia have signalled opposition, arguing
that sanctions should be eased to jumpstart talks and provide
humanitarian relief to the impoverished North.
The issues on the peninsula can be resolved politically and China
will continue to play a "positive role," Liu said.
However, the key to resolving the issues is in the hands of North
Korea and the United States, he added.
(Reporting by Josh Smith; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
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