BEIJING, Jan. 9 (UPI) — China expressed concerns regarding North Korea ‘s repeated threats to test-launch an intercontinental ballistic missile, according to Xinhua news agency.
Beijing is taking the statements seriously, including the most recent announcement issued Sunday that reiterated an earlier statement Kim Jong Un made during his New Year’s speech.
On New Year’s Day Kim said the country had reached the last stage of preparing a test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile that may be capable of targeting the U. S. mainland.
Pyongyang said the launch would take place at an arbitrary time and place determined by Kim. The statement has raised the threat level in South Korea, where the military is monitoring the situation.
Lu Kang, China’s foreign ministry spokesman, told reporters Monday that Beijing fears a situation that only escalates tensions in the region.
\u00ab\u00a0The United Nations Security Council has clear rules for North Korea regarding its use of ICBM technology to test missiles,\u00a0\u00bb Lu said. \u00ab\u00a0In this complex and sensitive situation, China asks all relevant parties to not engage in acts that will raise tensions. \u00a0\u00bb
The spokesman also said China is closely watching for new developments, and that the country is ready to play its \u00ab\u00a0given role\u00a0\u00bb for the sake of peace and stability in the region.
Lu’s statements on Monday was in part a response to remarks U. S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said on NBC’s \u00ab\u00a0Meet the Press\u00a0\u00bb on Sunday.
Carter had said North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs are a \u00ab\u00a0serious threat\u00a0\u00bb that it would shoot down any missile if aimed at \u00ab\u00a0us\u00a0\u00bb as well as \u00ab\u00a0friends or allies. \u00a0\u00bb
The latter statement has raised Beijing’s concerns, according to Yonhap.<\/p>\n

\n

\nSimilarity rank: 1.1\n<\/div>\n

Sentiment rank: -2.5<\/div>\n

\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n