China Reaffirms Constructive Role in Korean Nuclear Issue: FM

China always plays a constructive role in helping to resolve nuclear issues on the Korean Peninsula, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu Thursday.

"As a permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) and a responsible player in the international community, China always supports denuclearization on the peninsula as well as peace and stability in northeast Asia," said Ma at a regular press briefing.

China adopted a constructive attitude while participating in efforts to resolve the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, including UNSC discussions, and was striving to push deliberations to ease tensions and facilitate peaceful dialogue, he said.

He made the remarks to refute reports that China had blocked the release of a report by a UN expert panel concerning the nuclear issue.

China hoped all parties would grasp the moment and take necessary steps to restart the six-party talks as soon as possible, and sort out problems within that framework, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency February 24, 2011)