China Says Safeguarding Peace on Korean Peninsula and Political Solution Serve Common Interests

Regarding U.S. President Donald Trump's order to significantly scale down South Korea-U.S. joint military drills while emphasizing his good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, China's Foreign Ministry reiterated its principled stance on the need for a political solution to the Korean Peninsula issue.

During a regular briefing today (August 17), Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian was asked whether China supports a new dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea in light of President Trump's remarks. He responded, "We have noted the relevant reports," adding, "Safeguarding peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and promoting a political solution to the peninsula issue serve the common interests of all parties."

Safeguarding peace and stability and promoting a political solution are long-standing, principled positions maintained by China regarding the Korean Peninsula issue.

Previously, President Trump posted on social media platform Truth Social on the 16th, stating, "Given the fact that it is too late to cancel, I have instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to significantly scale down the joint exercises" between South Korea and the U.S.

President Trump also claimed, "Considering the very good relationship I have with North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-un, I do not like the fact that the United States has long agreed to participate in joint military exercises with South Korea," adding, "It sends a completely inappropriate and hostile signal."

(Photo: Screen capture from Korean Central Television, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.