The Independent: Chinese ambassador 'cautiously optimistic' that diplomatic solution can be found with North Korea
‘I still believe that […] we can still find a diplomatic solution to the crisis’
The UK’s Chinese Ambassador Liu Xiaoming has said he is “cautiously optimistic” about the potential for a diplomatic solution between the western world and North Korea.
Speaking on Robert Peston on Sunday, Ambassador Liu said China’s goals include making North Korea nuclear-free and building a “comprehensive approach to the issue”.
“I would say I am still cautiously optimistic,” he said.
“I still believe that if all parties engage with each other and we encourage North Korea to return to the negotiation table, we can still find a diplomatic solution to the crisis.”
Asked whether China should impose tougher sanctions on North Korea, Mr Liu replied that the country has consistently voted in favour of sanctions since 2006, and 16 such UN sanctions have been imposed in that time.
Read more ....
Update: China Optimistic Diplomacy Will Solve North Korea Nuclear Issue (Bloomberg)
WNU Editor: Liu Xiaoming served as Chinese Ambassador to North Korea for three years, so he is probably still on top of the news when it comes to the Korean peninsula. But I do not share his optimism that diplomacy in its current form will solve this crisis .... North Korea's focus is on building its nuclear arsenal, not negotiating it away.
