China's PM Sees 'Urgent' Need to Avoid Conflict on Korean Peninsula
Photo: AP
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao speaks during the three-nation talks in Seogwipo on Jeju island, South Korea, 29 May 2010
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao says there is an "urgent" need to avoid conflict between the Koreas following the sinking of a South Korean warship.
But Mr. Wen, speaking Sunday after a two-day summit with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, gave no indication that China is ready to join them in blaming North Korea for the tragedy.
China is the only major ally of North Korea, which has angrily denied involvement in the Cheonan incident.
The leaders began their first day of talks Saturday with a moment of silence for 46 South Korean sailors killed in a March torpedo attack on South Korea's Cheonan warship.
Ahead of Saturday's session, Mr. Lee and Mr. Hatoyama agreed to cooperate in punishing North Korea for the sinking of the Cheonan .
South Korea and Japan both want the U.N. Security Council to punish North Korea for the attack. China is a permanent member of the Council and could block any sanctions with a veto.
Earlier Saturday, Mr. Wen was in Seoul for talks with South Korean Prime Minister Chung Un-chan. The Chinese premier said Beijing condemns any act that destroys the peace and stability of the Korean peninsula and offered condolences for the deaths of the sailors.
An international investigation concluded that a North Korean submarine fired the torpedo that sank the Cheonan. Mr. Wen said Beijing will review the findings of the probe and take a position in an "objective and fair manner."
In Saturday's trilateral talks, Mr. Lee, Mr. Hatoyama and Mr. Wen called for speeding up free-trade talks aimed at creating an economic bloc comprising their three nations. They also pledged to boost cooperation in fighting climate change and improving food safety.
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP.
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