Q: The DPRK announced that it launched a test communications satellite on April 5 local time, and the Security Council has responded to that by adopting a presidential statement. How do you comment on this?

A: China has taken note that the DPRK announced its launch of an experimental communications satellite on April 5 (local time). We have also noted that relevant countries have raised concern over the launch. The Security Council just adopted a presidential statement as a reaction to the launch. The statement calls upon parties concerned to fully comply with their obligations under Security Council resolution 1718. It also supports and calls for an early resumption of the Six-Party Talks.

China always holds that the reaction of the Security Council should be aimed at ensuring the overall interests of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia, promoting the Six-Party Talks and the denuclearization process on the Peninsula, and safeguarding the international non-proliferation regime. In light of this spirit, China disagrees of a Security Council resolution on the launch, let alone new sanctions against the DPRK.

China hopes that parties concerned bear in mind the overall and long-term interests, exert calmness and restraint, jointly maintain peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia and make concerted efforts to consistently facilitate the Six-Party Talks and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula. This serves the common interests of the international community and countries in the region.