Skip to main content

Eyes on N. Korea, US, China Affirm Nuclear Security Commitment

CBN

Share This article

Nuclear proliferation and North Korea topped the agenda as world leaders recently gathered for a nuclear summit in Washington.

Despite some disagreements with the United States, Chinese President Xi Jin Ping told President Barack Obama the two countries have mutual interests that should be addressed.

"On the basis of respecting each other's core interests and major concerns, we should seek active solutions through dialogue and consultation," President Xi said.

Specifically, the two nations reaffirmed a joint commitment to global nuclear security and pledged to continue their partnership in this area. Safeguarding the Korean peninsula from nuclear weapons was of urgent concern in light of North Korea's recent missile launches.

"Of great importance to all of us is North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons, which threatens the security and stability of the region," said Obama, who urged China to use its influence to eliminate North Korea's nuclear program.

"President Xi and I are both committed to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and full implementation of U.N. sanctions," President Obama said.  

To that end, China vowed to sponsor training programs for other countries to further promote global nuclear security awareness.

Immediately after the summit, the Chinese government announced it will comply with a series of sanctions against North Korea, including restrictions on the sale of jet fuel and imported resources such as coal, iron, titanium and gold.

Meanwhile, North Korea criticized the U.N. sanctions and said the U.S. should stop spreading biased opinions.

"We strongly condemn and reject these wild sanction maneuvers against our ships by the U.S. imperialists and their fellows. The U.N. Security Council should ensure the peace and security of the world, but it has abandoned its own mission and duty," said North Korean leader Ham Hyon Il.

China's President Xi may meet with President Obama again in September. That's when the G20 Summit will be held in the Chinese city of Hangzhou. North Korea may again be a subject of mutual concern, but climate change and clean energy may also top the agenda.

Share This article