[EXCERPTS] DoD News Briefing
Mr. Kenneth H. Bacon, ASD (PA)
Thursday, May 15, 1997 - 1:55 p.m.
Q: In strategic matters here, General Shalikashvili yesterday in Beijing at the Defense University stated, warned the Chinese that North Korea was what we know to be the greatest threat to peace, and that was because of its inability to feed its people, it has become the most dangerous factor in Asian Pacific relations. General Shali said also that the United States welcomes the intercession of China on the Peninsula. And I would ask if basically this Department, does this government agree with General Shali's assessment? And do we welcome the Chinese to help feed the North Koreans? A: We welcome efforts by all countries to try to reduce the tensions on the Korean Peninsula. I think our policy on that has been very clear. As you know, President Clinton last year proposed four-party talks to bring about peace and reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula. Those talks involve China, the United States, North Korea, and the Republic of Korea. So we are very much in favor of Chinese involvement in efforts to bring peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Q: Also on this topic, Mr. Rodionov yesterday told this reporter that Russia was very concerned about the state in North Korea, the instability, and he expressed an interest in working with the United States to help alleviate these problems of desperation. He called it desperation. Was this matter discussed between the Secretary and Mr. Rodionov? A: Yes, it was discussed, and I believe they mentioned that at the press conference. I'd have to go back and check the record, but they did, in fact, discuss the situation on the Korean Peninsula. Russia borders Korea, and like China, it has a real interest in peace and stability and reconciliation on the Peninsula.
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