WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- U.S. State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert on Sunday defended U.S. President Donald Trump's "blunt talk" as helpful for solving the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) nuclear issue, but she also acknowledged that foreign diplomats were "surprised" by Trump's remarks.
"It's helping the world to now better understand exactly where we stand, and let folks know there will be consequences," said Nauert in an interview with AM 970 The Answer, a radio program. "We will hold them (DPRK) to account."
Trump on Tuesday threatened in a speech at the United Nations General Assembly that the United States "will have no choice than to totally destroy" the country if forced to defend itself or its allies.
Nauert acknowledged on Saturday that other world leaders were not necessarily used to the language used by Trump.
"I think some of the other nations are a little bit surprised by the president's plain-spokenness," said Nauert. "Here in the U.S., we think of that as a good thing... but these diplomats aren't necessarily used to that kind of blunt talk."
After the threat, the DPRK said it might test a hydrogen bomb in the Pacific Ocean.
China on Friday urged all relevant parties to avoid any action that may increase tension on the Korean Peninsula.
"The current situation on the peninsula is severe and complicated," Foreign Minister spokesperson Lu Kang said at a daily press briefing. "Only if all sides bear their due responsibilities, can the peninsula nuclear issue be truly resolved and peace and stability restored to the region."
The DPRK knows well that China opposes its development of nuclear weapons and nuclear tests, Lu said. "What parties concerned should do now is to strictly and comprehensively implement UN Security Council resolutions and make positive efforts to resolve the issue through dialogue."
"China opposes unilateral sanctions imposed by any country outside the framework of the UN Security Council," Lu said.
