As a country of important influence in Northeast Asia, and an important signatory to the Korean Armistice Agreement, China naturally plays an important and constructive role in questions concerning the peace regimes of the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia, according to a statement from a spokesman of the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.
After their second meeting, on October 4, parties attending the inter-Korean summit issued the Declaration on the Advancement of South-North Korean Relations, Peace and Prosperity, in which both sides called for "a permanent peace regime" to "end the current armistice regime" on the Korean Peninsula.
"The South and the North have also agreed to work together to bring together the leaders of the three or four parties directly concerned, to convene on the Peninsula and declare an end to the war," the declaration announced.
The accurate meaning of "three or four parties" aroused controversy within international opinion; hence the Chinese spokesman's remark.
As positive results were achieved in recent six-party talks and the second meeting of the ROK and DPRK leaders, the world's most noticeable Cold War shadow is quickly fading away; and solid steps are being made towards permanent peace and stability in Northeast Asia. This is all due to joint efforts by relevant sides including China. The six-party talks process, with the aim of denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula, has not only pushed forward inter-Korean talks towards improved ties, reconciliation and cooperation; but has also built a multilateral diplomatic platform for a permanent peace regime on the Korean Peninsula, and lasting peace and stability in Northeast Asia.
During the six-party talks process, all relevant parties have been making efforts for lasting peace and stability in Northeast Asia; and directly related sides endeavor to establish a permanent peace regime on the Korean Peninsula through discussion. Such a goal cannot be realized in one stroke, but requires the common effort of all sides concerned. This is because the Korean Peninsula issue itself is an entangled mess—it is both historical and present; both bilateral and multilateral; both diplomatic and economic and military. In the face of these related and interwoven elements, China has repeatedly emphasized that relevant sides should be concerned and understand one another's concerns; work in the same direction; fulfill their respective promises earnestly; and implement actions in a comprehensive, balanced and parallel manner. Only in this way can we solve the Korean nuclear issue in a fair, reasonable and fundamental way, so the region and international community benefit.
China and the Korean Peninsula are in one area geographically. Whether the Korean Peninsula can enjoy lasting peace and stability has a direct bearing on China's surrounding environment, as well as that of Northeast Asia and the entire Asia-Pacific region. As China stands at a new historical starting point of development in the new century, it is natural for China's peaceful foreign policy to build an international environment of peace and stability; a surrounding environment of good neighborliness; a cooperative environment of equality and mutual benefit; and a secure environment of mutual trust and coordination. Setting its sights on lasting peace and stability in Northeast Asia, China has actively mediated between different parties; and has tried to build trust to overcome difficulties and barriers. The positive changes within the Korean Peninsula situation are a result of good political will and solid efforts from relevant sides, in which China has played a unique and constructive role.
On the Korean Peninsula issue, China has shown sincerity and reason in combining the fundamental interests of the Chinese people with those of the region's people. In the name of seeking peace, development, and a resolution through cooperation, China should continue playing a constructive role on resolving international matters, including the Korean nuclear problem.
By People's Daily senior editor Wen Xian; translated by People's Daily Online
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