Statement by Ambassador Zhang Jun at the Security Council Open Briefing on Discussing the Korean Peninsula Situation

主席女士，

　　自2018年初以来，在有关各方共同努力下，朝鲜半岛形势发生积极变化，半岛问题重回对话协商解决的正确轨道。今年朝鲜和美国先后在河内、板门店举行领导人会晤，在斯德哥尔摩举行工作层磋商，这对加强双方相互理解具有积极意义。与此同时，朝鲜履行了其关于暂停核试验和洲际弹道导弹试射的承诺，并多次作出表态致力于实现半岛无核化。朝美作为半岛问题的主要当事方，应珍惜来之不易的半岛对话缓和局面，共同为实现半岛无核化和持久和平作出切实努力。

Madam President,

Since the beginning of 2018, thanks to the concerted efforts of the parties concerned, there have been positive changes in the situation on the Korean Peninsula and the Peninsula issue has been steered back to the right track towards a negotiated solution through dialogue. Earlier this year, the DPRK and the United States held leaders' meetings in Hanoi and Panmunjom, as well as working-level consultations in Stockholm, which are positive for greater mutual understanding between the two parties. At the same time, the DPRK made good on its promise to suspend nuclear tests and ICBM test launches and declared on multiple occasions its commitment to the denuclearization of the Peninsula. The DPRK and the United States, as the main parties to the Peninsula issue, should cherish the hard-won relaxation of the Peninsula's situation achieved through dialogue and work together in a practical effort to achieve the denuclearization of, and lasting peace on, the Korean Peninsula.

　　半岛形势近期出现曲折，朝美关系再度紧张，半岛形势来到又一个关键当口。中方注意到朝12月7日进行试验活动及有关公开表态。目前，朝方试验内容及细节仍不明确，安理会不应仓促作出结论。朝方已在无核化问题上采取了一系列积极举措，但其在安全与发展方面的合理关切与诉求没有得到相应重视和解决，这是导致当前对话僵局和形势趋紧的重要原因。

　　朝美双方特别是美方应把握住来之不易的机会之窗，正视和尊重彼此关切，真正展现灵活和诚意，落实新加坡联合声明共识，并按照分阶段、同步走原则，尽快打破僵局，恢复对话接触，防止对话进程“脱轨”或者“倒退”。

The situation on the Korean Peninsula has recently taken a twist, leading to renewed tensions between the DPRK and the United States and bringing the Peninsula's situation to yet another critical juncture. China has noted that on 7 December, the DPRK conducted a test and, in relation to it, made a public statement. So far, the details of the DPRK's test -- what it involved, as well as other specifics -- have yet to be established, in which case the Security Council should not jump to hasty conclusions. The DPRK has taken a series of positive steps on denuclearization, but its legitimate concerns and aspirations in respect of security and development have not been given such attention as is commensurate with its effort, and remain unanswered. This is an important reason behind the current deadlock in dialogue and the tensing up of the situation.

Both the DPRK and the United States – especially the United States - should seize the hard-earned window of opportunity; take on board and respect each other's concerns in good faith; genuinely demonstrate flexibility and goodwill; act on the consensus contained in the Singapore Joint Statement, and, by taking the phased and synchronized approach, break the deadlock and resume dialogue and engagement as soon as possible, to prevent the dialogue process from "derailing" or "backpedalling".

　　国际社会特别是半岛问题主要各方必须站在客观公正的立场上，着眼长远和大局，多做有利于局势缓和、有利于朝美对话协商、有利于半岛政治进程的事情，防止半岛重新陷入紧张对抗。

　　主席女士，

The international community, in particular the main parties to the Peninsula issue, must take an objective and impartial position, act in the service of long-term interests and the greater good and make more efforts that contribute to the relaxation of the situation, to the DPRK-US dialogue and consultation and to the Peninsula's political process, so that the Peninsula will not be plunged once again into tensions and confrontations.

Madam President,