China calls for Korean Peninsula denuclearization

BOSTON (Xinhua) - China on Saturday called for continued efforts by related parties to create favorable conditions for restoring the stalled talks on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi, when meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry in Boston, reiterated China's "clear, determined and consistent position" that realizing denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, maintaining its peace and stability, and resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation "are in the common interest of all related parties, including China and the United States," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said after the talks.

Yang said China hopes that all relevant parties will continue making efforts in the same direction, seize the opportunity to ease the tense situation on the Peninsula, so as to pave the way for reviving the stalled six-party talks.

Yang is visiting the United States to prepare for the upcoming visit to China by US President Barack Obama, who will also attend the informal leaders' meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Beijing.

Yang and Kerry also discussed the Iranian nuclear talks and the issue of fighting terrorism, among other things, Qin said.

On the Iranian talks, Yang said that it will benefit all related parties if the issue is properly resolved.

Noting the talks have entered a crucial stage, Yang urged all parties involved to give full play to their wisdom and creativity by seeking common ground while setting aside differences in order to reach as early as possible a fair, balanced and win-win agreement, which will take care of each other's concerns, through equal consultations.

On the issue of counterterrorism, Yang said that China is firmly against all forms of terrorism and is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperation with the international community including the United States in the area of fighting terrorism.

At the same time, Yang stressed that China has been consistent in its position that fighting terrorism should be based on the United Nations Charter and the basic norms governing international relations, respect of national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a comprehensive strategy that will tackle the roots of terrorism.