China opposes any action that could worsen the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and hopes all relevant parties can act in a way conducive to the stability of the peninsula, President Hu Jintao said on Tuesday.

 

Hu made the remarks when meeting with visiting Vice President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Yang Hyong Sop on Tuesday afternoon.

 

Hu, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said China is "seriously concerned" since "some new complicating factors" have appeared on the Korean Peninsula.

 

"China has always been committed to maintaining the peace and stability on the peninsula, and insists on resolving the relevant issues through peaceful dialogue and negotiation", Hu said.

 

Responding to Hu's views, Yang said that the DPRK will also work to safeguard the peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and in the region.

 

The DPRK highly values its friendship with the Chinese people and will continue to make joint efforts with China to further boost bilateral relations, Yang noted.

 

Hu also called on the parties that are involved in the six-party talks "to overcome current difficulties" to promote the talks.

 

China hopes to make concerted efforts with the parties to give the matter priority, Hu said, urging the creation of favorable conditions to promote a resumption of talks in a bid to safeguard the peace and stability on the peninsula and in northeast Asia.

 

The six-party talks, involving China, the DPRK, the US, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Russia and Japan, have remained stalled since the last round was held in Beijing last November.

 

On bilateral ties, Hu said leaders of the two countries have conducted exchange of visits in recent years, and reached important understanding on pushing forward bilateral traditional friendship and cooperation.

 

Under these new circumstances, China will work with the DPRK to strengthen bilateral friendship and cooperation in the spirit of inheriting the tradition and facing the future, Hu said.

 

He stressed that the Chinese side will work with the DPRK side to further implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders, continue to enhance bilateral substantial cooperation in various fields and make new efforts to maintain the peace, stability and boost development in the region and the world as a whole.

 

Yang also expressed his delight at visiting China and learning about the achievements China has made in its development, especially at a moment when bilateral relationship continues to boom.

 

Yang's five-day visit coincides with activities in Beijing commemorating the 45th anniversary of the Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance Treaty signed between China and the DPRK.

 

Besides his meeting with Hu, Yang will also meet with Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo.

 

The same day in Pyongyang, Pak Bong-ju, Cabinet Premier of the DPRK, met with visiting Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu to discuss bilateral ties, and international and regional issues of common concern.

 

During the meeting, Hui conveyed to Pak a message of greeting from Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

 

Hui praised the development of bilateral exchanges and economic cooperation between the two countries, saying they are important components of Sino-DPRK relations.

 

China is ready to further promote future exchanges and cooperation with the DPRK on the basis of the principle of mutual benefit, Hui said.

 

Hui also noted that the Sino-DPRK friendship is strong.

 

Pak said the DPRK always attaches importance to the traditional friendship with China, and his country is willing to further deepen the economic and trade cooperation with it.

 

An agreement to further strengthen technological exchanges and economic cooperation between the two nations was also signed.

 

The Chinese vice premier, who arrived in Pyongyang on Monday for an official goodwill visit, also attended commemorative events to mark the 45th anniversary of the signing of the friendship treaty.

 

Wu Dawei, Chinese vice foreign minister and chief negotiator for the six-party talks, accompanied Hui on the visit.

 

(Xinhua News Agency July 12, 2006)