The United States has reaffirmed its stance that it hopes China will play a productive role concerning the North Korean nuclear issue. In a May 28 briefing (GMT), U.S. Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller responded to a question about the absence of the phrase “denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula” in the joint declaration of the Korea-China-Japan summit. Miller mentioned, “We have made it clear that we welcome any sort of productive role from China in addressing North Korea’s illegal weapons of mass destruction (WMD) program, including direct engagement with China.”
Miller further emphasized, “We will continue to make this clear.”
Miller also expressed strong criticism over North Korea’s failed reconnaissance satellite launch on May 27, stating that the launch using ballistic missile technology is a violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions against North Korea.
He added, “We have been closely consulting with our South Korean and Japanese counterparts about the launch. We urge all countries to condemn North Korea’s illegal WMD and ballistic missile programs and to engage in serious communication with North Korea.”