Chinese FM expresses hopes for resuming six-party talks

SEOUL, Feb. 18 (Yonhap) -- Chinese's foreign ministry said Saturday its minister, currently attending the Munich Security Conference, expressed hopes for the resumption of the six-party talks on North Korean issues.

According to the ministry, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that only dialogues can effectively solve North Korea's missile and nuclear issues.

Pundits said the remarks apparently came after U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson urged China on Friday to "use all available tools" to rein in North Korea when he met with Wang.

Wang pointed out the six-party talks have been suspended since 2009, and that there has been a vicious cycle of nuclear tests and sanctions.

The Chinese minister, however, also acknowledged the necessity of U.N. sanctions against Pyongyang while calling for a peaceful settlement of the North Korean nuclear issue.

colin@yna.co.kr
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