Over the weekend, China again suggested a return to the Six-Party Talks as a matter of urgency, but the offer received a lukewarm reception in Seoul, Tokyo and Washington, which say that the time is not right.
Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei, the Chinese special representative for Korean Peninsula affairs, yesterday suggested convening the talks in early December, but the South Korean administration responded that conditions are not right for denuclearization discussions.
Wu revealed the Chinese suggestion in a Beijing press briefing, saying, “Regarding the current situation on the Korean Peninsula, China suggests a representatives’ meeting of the Six-Party Talks in early December in Beijing, according to the September 19th Joint Statement and for the exchange of opinions and interests of each country on this grave issue.”
He added, “The international community has an interest in whether or not the Six-Party Talks are resumed; by resuming the talks, the peace and security of the Korean Peninsula can be preserved and stability of Northeast Asia can be achieved.”
Meanwhile, in a meeting in Seoul yesterday, Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo delivered the Chinese stance directly to President Lee.
Hong Sang Pyo, the President’s press secretary, told reporters after the meeting, “There was mention made by China of the Six-Party Talks, but it was not negotiated significantly,” and added that President Lee had said now “clearly is not a time to discuss it.”
Following the Chinese suggestion, South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MOFAT) released a statement pointing out, “Given that North Korea has publicized the construction of a light water reactor and uranium enrichment facilities, the shelling of Yeonpyeong Island has had a negative influence on the efforts of related countries to establish the conditions for a resumption of the Six-Party Talks,” adding that therefore, “The holding of a representatives’ meeting of the Six-Party Talks must be examined exceedingly prudently.”
The MOFAT statement went on, “Creating the conditions for the restarting of the Six-Party Talks must come first, and our basic stance is to carry out bilateral or multilateral negotiations including inter-Korean dialogue within the six-party framework.”
MOFAT also urged North Korea once again through the statement to “show its intention for denuclearization with practical actions.”
