Playing With Nuclear Fire

　　China expresses concerns over North Korea’s hydrogen bomb test

　　Pyongyang once again shocked the world with its earthquake-triggering nuclear test. China’s earthquake-monitoring agency reported that the nuclear test conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on January 6 even shook some places in northeast China which border the DPRK.

　　Shortly after DPRK’s announcement of the success of its first hydrogen bomb test， China declared that it “firmly opposes” the nuclear test， according to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry released on its website on January 6.

　　At a Foreign Ministry press briefing， spokeswoman Hua Chunying announced， “China is steadfast in its position that the Korean Peninsula should be denuclearized and nuclear proliferation should be prevented to maintain peace and stability in Northeast Asia.”

　　“We strongly urge the DPRK to honor its commitment to denuclearization， and to cease any actions that may deteriorate the situation，” Hua said.

　　The peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula as well as Northeast Asia meets the common interests of all those concerned， Hua said.

　　China is determined to advance the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and settle the nuclear issue through six-party talks， she said.

　　When asked if China had been informed ahead of time of DPRK’s nuclear test， Hua said China knew nothing about the test beforehand.

　　According to Hua， China’s Environmental Protection Ministry is evaluating the impact of the test and analyzing the radiation data collected along the border. China will take all necessary measures to protect the safety of its people and property.

　　Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China is “firmly committed to upholding the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.” Wang was addressing the ministry’s annual New Year Reception for foreign diplomats and representatives of international organizations on January 6.

　　“With respect to yet another nuclear test conducted by the DPRK today in disregard of international opposition， the Chinese Government has made its stern position clear in its Foreign Ministry statement，” Wang added.

　　The UN Security Council convened an emergency closed-door meeting regarding DPRK’s actions and strongly condemned North Korea’s nuclear test and pledged to take more sanctions.

　　UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon denounced the hydrogen bomb test， saying that DPRK’s move “seriously undermines international non-proliferation efforts.” He declared that “this test once again violates numerous Security Council resolutions despite the united call by the international community to cease such activities.”

　　He demanded that the DPRK cease any further nuclear activities and meet its obligations for verifiable denuclearization.

　　By Yu Lintao

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