Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks to reporters at the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, China, on March 8, 2016. (Photo : Getty Images)
China is open to any initiatives in resolving the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday, adding that maintaining stability in the region is Beijing’s top priority.
At a news conference in Beijing, Wang said that parties involved in the negotiations have "suggested some ideas, including flexible contacts allowing three-party, four-party or even a five-party format."
After North Korea conducted a nuclear test and a rocket launch earlier this year, China has urged for calm and the resumption of the Six-Party Talks.
Citing the U.N. Security Council Resolution 2270, Wang said that the new sanctions against Pyongyang should be implemented in its entirety.
The sanctions are key to "maintaining stability and is the pressing priority, and only negotiations could provide a fundamental solution," Wang added.
The Six-Party Talks, which involves China, North Korea, South Korea, the United States, Russia and Japan, were established in 2003 but stalled in 2008.
Ruan Zongze, vice president of the China Institute of International Studies, said that Wang's latest comments "shows both a sense of duty and flexibility."
"No matter what the format of contacts will be, the goal is to achieve negotiation and avoid war," he said in an interview with China Daily.
However, Ruan noted that Pyongyang should be part of the negotiations as without them the talks would be of no use.
"Other parties should encourage the DPRK to get back to the table," Ruan said.
"Currently, the most demanding task is to secure stability, as the DPRK has responded fiercely to the U.N. resolution, while the U.S. and the ROK are conducting more military drills on the peninsula," Ruan stated.
Huang Youfu, a Korean studies professor at Minzu University of China in Beijing, said the China's flexibility is providing space for all parties involved.
Success in the resumption of talks on the nuclear issue will depend on the attitudes of Pyongyang, Washington and Seoul, Huang added.
When asked about recent China-North Korea ties, Wang said Beijing "will not accommodate" Pyongyang pushing forward with its nuclear and missile, although North Korea's need for development and security remains supported.
"China and the DPRK enjoy a normal state-to-state relationship with a deep tradition of friendship," Wang added. "China both values friendship and stands on principles."
