Chair,

The essence of the Korean Peninsula issue is a security problem. The crux of the problem lies in the lingering legacy of the Cold War, the lack of mutual trust between the US and the DPRK, and the absence of a peace mechanism. The US says that it is willing to have an unconditional dialogue with the DPRK, but actually continues to increase pressure on the DPRK, engages in "extended deterrence," and continues to hold large-scale joint military exercises in the region. The negative impact of the above activities on the situation of the Peninsula is worrying.

Under the current circumstances, all parties should prioritize the bigger picture, keep calm, and exercise restraint, avoid the deterioration and escalation of the situation, and ensure that the issue of the Korean Peninsula does not depart from the track of political settlement. At the same time, efforts need to be made to relaunch the dialog and push forward the process of political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue. The U.S. should earnestly assume its responsibilities, abandon its practice of unilateral sanctions and pressure, and demonstrate its sincerity in being willing to engage in "unconditional dialogue" through concrete actions.

As a close neighbor of the Peninsula and an important stakeholder in the Peninsula issue, China’s position on the Peninsula issue has always been consistent and clear. China has always been committed to promoting a political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue. China is willing to work with the parties concerned and the international community to jointly promote the process of political settlement of the Peninsula issue in an objective and impartial manner and in accordance with the "dual-track" approach and the principle of taking phased and synchronized actions.

Thank you, Chair.