China Perspective
China urges stability on the Korean peninsula
By Cheng Guangjin (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-08-04 16:09
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Beijing- China reiterated the importance of peace and stability maintained by concerted efforts of relevant parties amid rising tension on the Korean peninsula after the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) warning of a “powerful physical retaliation” against the Republic of Korea (ROK) for its next naval drill.
ROK will stage a five-day naval drill beginning Thursday off the west coast of the Korean peninsula, a show of force to improve Seoul’s defense posture and deter provocation, Xinhua reported.
“The exercises are of a defensive nature and will be carried out in ROK waters,” said Rear Adm.Kim Kyung-sik of the ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff as quoted by Xinhua.
"We will not tolerate any provocation from the enemy," he said.
The announcement followed the DPRK's warning of a "powerful physical retaliation" against the drills, which will be held near the waters where Seoul accused Pyongyang for torpedoing an ROK warship in March 26 with a loss of 46 ROK sailors. Pyongyang has denied the charge.
The naval drills follow massive joint ROK-United States naval and air exercises in waters east of the peninsula last month in response to the warship sinking.
Foreign Minister Spokesman Jiang Yu said Wednesday China has noted relevant reports.
“We hope relevant parties make concerted efforts in safeguarding peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula,” she said.