China welcomes North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s promise to freeze nuclear tests
Kim says Pyongyang will also close a nuclear test site, but offers no plan for existing arsenal
China has welcomed North Korea’s surprise decision to suspend nuclear tests and close a nuclear test site, saying it could help ease tension on the Korean peninsula.
But analysts are divided over whether Pyongyang will surrender any of its existing nuclear weapons.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said on Saturday that the test suspension and site closure announced a day earlier by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un would “help make denuclearisation a reality and help make progress in the resolution of the peninsula’s crisis”.
Lu said China supported efforts by North Korea to address concerns with other countries through dialogue, and wished Pyongyang success with its plan to focus on economic development.
Ahead of planned summits with South Korean President Moon Jae-in next week and with US President Donald Trump in late May or early June, Kim told the Central Committee of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea on Friday that he would stop nuclear tests and intercontinental ballistic rocket tests from April 21. Pyongyang would also dismantle a northern nuclear testing ground, according to a report from state-owned Korean Central News Agency.
“I solemnly declare that we have accomplished credible weaponisation of nuclear forces,” Kim was quoted as saying.