Nuclear

At a forum in Beijing to mark the sixth anniversary of an agreement struck during six-party nuclear disarmament talks in September 2005, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said it was time to set aside quarrels and focus on restarting the talks. The agreement offered North Korea economic and energy aid in return for dismantling its nuclear arms program.

Envoys from North and South Korea are due to meet later on this week to revive the international disarmament talks in Beijing. Although analysts expect no major breakthroughs, the aim is to pave the way for a second round of six-party negotiations.

North Korea formally abandoned the talks in April 2009. One month later, it staged a second nuclear test, provoking worldwide condemnation.

No preconditions, says Pyongyang

Although each side now says it wants to start talking again, Pyongyang wants the negotiations to be without preconditions, whereas Seoul, Tokyo and Washington insist it has to show that it is serious about giving up its nuclear arsenal in return for economic, diplomatic and security benefits.

Washington has also told Pyongyang to improve ties with Seoul. Tension has been high on the Korean peninsula ever since 50 South Koreans were killed last year in two separate attacks blamed on North Korea.

As Yang defended China as a positive player in regional peace efforts, he did not mention the attacks on a South Korean navy ship and on an island in disputed waters. Nor did he say anything about North Korea’s recent announcement that it is coming ahead with uranium enrichment efforts.

Beijing is Pyongyang’s main diplomatic backer and economic partner and has an interest in the region being stable.

Author: Anne Thomas (Reuters, AFP)
Editor: Manasi Gopalakrisnan