China, Russia warn against use of force against North Korea

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, on Tuesday, noted that no one should be permitted to stir up tensions on China and Russia’s doorstep, calling for a peaceful settlement to the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.

Wang made the remarks during a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. The two ministers discussed possible ways out of the confrontational spiral on the Korean Peninsula, agreeing that military adventures and threats of force are unacceptable regardless of the source.

The high-level conversation comes amid escalating tensions between the DPRK and the US, as the latter’s decision to conduct joint military exercises with South Korea on Aug. 21 has led to a fierce backlash from the DPRK, which has threatened to launch ballistic missiles toward the US territory of Guam that is home to American military bases.

According to Lavrov, the situation on the Korean Peninsula could flare up again as the joint military exercises draw near. The two ministers noted that the US and the DPRK should “put the brakes” on mutually irritating rhetoric and actions to cool tensions and head off an “August crisis.”

As of press time, the DPRK has halted its threats, saying it would wait to assess “the foolish and stupid conduct” of the US before deciding whether to order the launch. In response, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Tuesday that his country was still interested in talks with the DPRK. (enpeople)

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