China urges restraint as US ups the pressure on Pyongyang

World Today

China urges restraint as US ups the pressure on Pyongyang

The United States is significantly increasing efforts to persuade Pyongyang to abandon its weapons programs.

Tension are ratcheting up between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea the United States as Washington worries Pyongyang could conduct another nuclear test or missile launch to mark the 85th anniversary of the Korean People’s Army. 

China is urging restraint.

CGTN’s Jim Spellman reports.

In an unusual move, U.S. President Donald Trump hosted ambassadors from the United Nations Security Council at the White House Monday to discuss tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

“This is a real threat to the world, whether we want to talk about it or not,” Trump said. “North Korea (DPRK) is a big world problem and it’s a problem we have to finally solve. People put blindfolds on for decades, and now it’s time to solve the problem.”

The U.S. has refused to take military action off the table as it moves a nuclear-powered submarine and the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier group towards the Korean Peninsula. A commentary published in an official DPRK newspaper warns: “The United States should not run amok and should consider carefully any catastrophic consequence from its foolish military provocative act.” 

Adding to the tension are reports that the DPRK detained a U.S. citizen as he tried to leave the country. The man worked as a teacher at a university in the DPRK. It’s not clear why he is being held.

Amidst the rising tensions, China is calling for a calm, measured approach. Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered that message directly during a recent phone call with President Trump. Xi also used the call to advise Trump that both sides must be prepared to compromise. The two leaders pledged to work closely on the issue.   

The White House plans brief all 100 United States Senators on the DPRK situation. The U.S. secretaries of State and Defense will lead the briefing. The White House wants Congress on board with any future actions the U.S. may take against the DPRK.