Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi (2nd L) speaks to the media in Phuket of Thailand, July 23, 2009. Yang Jiechi told reporters Thursday on the sidelines of the ASEAN meeting series that about the Korea Peninsula's nuclear issue, the UN Security Council's resolutions should be implemented and all sides should work hard to avoid escalation of tension. (Xinhua/Liu Lianfen) Photo Gallery>>>

    PHUKET, Thailand, July 23 (Xinhua) -- China's Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi told reporters Thursday on the sidelines of the ASEAN meeting series that about the Korea Peninsula's nuclear issue, the UN Security Council's resolutions should be implemented and all sides should work hard to avoid escalation of tension.

    "China's stand is very firm. We are working very hard for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and we are totally against nuclear proliferation...This issue, the nuclear issue, should be solved by peaceful means through diplomatic negotiation," Yang said.

    Yang made the remark before he entered the venue for the 16th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), a top security forum in Asia which is held in the Thai southern island of Phuket on Thursday.

    China is working for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the Northeast Asia, he said.

    Yang arrived in Phuket on Tuesday night to attend the ASEAN and dialogue partners' meeting on Wednesday as well as the ARF.

    "At the meetings I attended yesterday, many participants stressed the importance of continuing to have the six-party talks. They believe that this is the effective platform on which we can proceed to properly solve the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula," he said.

    Yang said a sooner restart of the six-party talks will "do everybody good".

    "So one should take a long-term and strategic point of view, and work for the earlier resumption of the six-party talks. China stays in close touch with all the parties concerned, because this is a good cause, this is a very important cause," Yang said.

Chinese FM: Dialogue best way to solve int'l disputes

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi (C) attends the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum in Phuket, Thailand, July 23, 2009. (Xinhua/Liu Lianfen) Photo Gallery>>>

    PHUKET, Thailand, July 23 (Xinhua) -- The peaceful settlement of international disputes through dialogue and consultation is the best way and the best option, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said here Thursday.

    "No matter what setbacks there may be, countries should stay committed to working through effective dialogue platforms and channels to enhance understanding, bridge differences and dissolve conflicts," said Yang at the 16th ASEAN Regional Forum. Full story

Chinese FM meets with U.S. Secretary of State

    PHUKET, Thailand, July 22 (Xinhua) -- China and the United States need to maintain high-level contact and deepen cooperation in various areas of common concern, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said here Wednesday in his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

    Yang said the two countries should also keep close communication and collaboration on global issues and properly handle disputes and sensitive issues in order to push forward bilateral ties. Full story

Chinese FM stresses new areas of growth in ASEAN-China cooperation

PHUKET, Thailand, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi underlined here Wednesday the importance of tapping new areas of economic growth so as to enhance cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN).

Yang noted that one area of development is to implement plans to enhance agricultural productivity by drawing on advanced technology and to accelerate the cooperation on new and renewable energies. Full story

Chinese FM urges restraints on Northeast Asia situation

    PHUKET, Thailand, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi urged here on Wednesday that concerned parties exercise restraints on the situation of Northeast Asia and not to take actions that destabilized regional peace.

    With increasing uncertainties, the situations of the Korea Peninsula and Northeast Asia are complicated and sensitive, said Yang in his meeting with foreign ministers of East Asia Summit. He added that to break the stalemate and to stabilize regional situation are common hopes of relevant parties. Full story