Did Trump-Xi call reveal subtle shift in China’s stance on North Korean nuclear crisis?
Xi Jinping voices opposition to Pyongyang’s nuclear programme, urges US to show restraint, but leaves out usual statement about solving issue ‘peacefully’
Chinese President Xi Jinping voiced Beijing’s strong opposition to Pyongyang’s nuclear brinkmanship on Monday while also urging the United States to show military restraint as tensions escalate on the Korean peninsula.
During a phone call with US President Donald Trump on Monday morning, Xi also agreed to maintain close contact with Washington over North Korea and to make every effort with the US and others to realise peace in the region, Xinhua reported.
The call was initiated by Trump as fears rise that Pyongyang is preparing further missile or nuclear tests, possibly on the 85th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People’s Army today, Bloomberg reported citing a White House official.
“China resolutely opposes any act that violates resolutions of the United Nations Security Council … and hopes that the parties concerned will exercise restraint and refrain from taking any action that will aggravate tensions on the peninsula,” Xi was quoted by Xinhua as saying. Xi said that with the international situation changing rapidly, it was necessary for China and the US to keep close contact and to exchange views on important issues of common concern, including North Korea, in a timely manner.