Beijing’s top envoy calls for effective steps amid Korean Peninsula deadlock

China intends to continue playing a constructive role "in our way" to promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, Beijing's top envoy stated, expressing hope that the parties involved will take "effective" steps to address the core security issues behind the current stalemate.

Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Dai Bing made the remarks in an interview with Yonhap News Agency, as Seoul pushes to restore inter-Korean relations and revive stalled negotiations between North Korea and the United States, which Pyongyang has so far declined to engage in.

"Since the launch of the Lee Jae Myung government, South Korea has actively engaged in efforts to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula and seek contact and dialogue. The Chinese government highly appreciates these efforts," Dai said.

He stressed that China has maintained a stable and consistent policy on Korean Peninsula issues and will continue to play a constructive role while maintaining communication with South Korea.

Lee has also floated the idea of discussing arms control with Pyongyang, saying that prioritising the denuclearisation goal would not help make progress with the North given its growing nuclear and missile capabilities.

"The root of the Korean Peninsula issue lies in security," the ambassador added, urging parties to take "effective" measures that could include security guarantees to bring North Korea to talks.

By Jeyhun Aghazada