Negotiation remains only solution to DPRK issue: FM

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the annual UN General Assembly Thursday that negotiation remains the only solution to ongoing tensions with the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) and warned the DPRK not to go further in a "dangerous direction" with its nuclear program.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi addresses the United Nations General Assembly Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017, at the United Nations headquarters. [Photo: AP/Frank Franklin II]

"There is still hope for peace and we must not give up. Negotiation is the only way out and deserves every effort," Wang said during his speech to the UN General Assembly.

"We call upon all parties to play a constructive role in easing tensions. Parties should meet one another halfway by addressing one another's legitimate concerns," he added.

Wang Yi clearly stated China's stance: The country is committed to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and there should be no new nuclear weapons on the peninsula, or anywhere else in northeast Asia.

Wang made no mention in his speech of US President Donald Trump's announcement of new sanctions on Thursday that open the door wider to blacklisting people and entities doing business with the DPRK, including its shipping and trade networks.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi addresses the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly, at U.N. headquarters, Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017. [Photo: AP/Mary Altaffer]

The minister also did not respond to Trump's remarks that China's Central Bank has issued an order to stop its banks from trading with Pyongyang.

However, Wang urged the US to honor its "four 'no' commitment," an apparent reference to an August 1 statement by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, in which he said Washington did not seek the collapse or change of the DPRK government, accelerated reunification of the peninsula, or to send its military to the DPRK.