Dialogue between the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) was the key to solving the DPRK nuclear issue, but the form it took was not the most vital factor, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said in Beijing Tuesday.
Kong said at a regular press conference that China had an open mind on all ideas for achieving a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula and a practical settlement between the concerned parties.
Kong quoted Chinese President Jiang Zemin during a phone call with US President George W. Bush Monday night that the key to the dialogue was whether the two sides were sincere, the dialogue had substantial content and results, was conducive to a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, eased the concerns of both the United States and the DPRK, and safeguarded peace and stability on the peninsula.
Kong said it was important the suggestions were acceptable to the concerned sides.
He said China had kept in contact with all parties and was playing a positive and constructive role in resolving the issue.
He said China hoped the concerned parties would keep calm and refrain from any action which would further escalate the situation.
They should make joint efforts to initiate talks at an early date, Kong said.
(Xinhua News Agency March 12, 2003)
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