Conflict could break out ‘at any moment’ over North Korea, Chinese foreign minister warns
There can be no winners if war occurs, Wang Yi says, as fears mount Pyongyang may carry out a new nuclear test
A conflict over North Korea could break out “at any moment”, China’s foreign minister Wang Yi said on Friday, warning there would be “no winner” in any war as tensions soar with the US.
The sharp language came after US President Donald Trump said the North Korea problem “will be taken care of”, as speculation mounts that the reclusive state could be preparing another nuclear or missile test.
“Lately, tensions have risen ... and one has the feeling that a conflict could break out at any moment,” Wang said. “If a war occurs, the result is a situation in which everybody loses and there can be no winner.”
Whichever side provoked a conflict “must assume the historic responsibility and pay the corresponding price,” he said in a joint press conference with his French counterpart Jean-Marc Ayrault.
Trump has sent a aircraft carrier-led strike group to the Korean peninsula to press his point, one of a series of signals that indicate his willingness to shake up foreign policy strategy.