Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference on September 4, 2017
..........A: Yesterday, the DPRK carried out the 6th nuclear test. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has immediately issued a statement to state our solemn position. As to how the UN Security Council will respond and what action it may take, this depends on what comes out of the discussion by its members.
China has always stayed committed to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, upholding peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and promoting the peaceful settlement of the relevant issue through dialogue and negotiation. As a permanent member of the Security Council, China will follow this position and participate in the relevant discussion with an responsible and constructive attitude.
Q: First, was China informed beforehand of this nuclear test? Second, what China has done to prevent the nuclear test by the DPRK? Third, Has the Foreign Ministry summoned the DPRK's Ambassador to China to protest against this nuclear test? Fourth, what measures will China take given that the DPRK has carried out a nuclear test?
A: Regarding your first question, China stays committed to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and opposition to the DPRK's nuclear and missile development. This position is known to all, and the DPRK has been very clear about this.
As to the second question, for a long time, we have made enormous efforts and done a lot to promote the peaceful settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue through dialogue and negotiation. We have put forward the "dual-track" approach and the "suspension-for-suspension" proposal, maintained communication with various parties on this, helped them to work for the shared goal and tried to cool down the situation as soon as possible.
On the third question, the Chinese government has immediately expressed its solemn position through the Foreign Ministry's statement. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has lodged stern representations with the principal of the DPRK's Embassy in China.
As for the fourth question, China has always comprehensively and strictly implemented the relevant UN Security Council's DPRK-related resolutions. We are fulfilling our due international obligations, at the same time, we will continue to approach the relevant issue with the principle of helping realize the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and uphold peace and stability there.
Q: The DPRK nuclear test coincided with the BRICS Summit. Has China complained to the DPRK about the timing of this test?
A: The DPRK's nuclear test at any time is wrong, as it violates the Security Council resolutions and is against the will of the international community. China is firmly opposed to this.
Just as I said, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has lodged stern representations with the principal of the DPRK's Embassy in China.
Q: Has China ever expressed concerns to the DPRK or other countries over radioactive contamination from the DPRK's nuclear test spilling potentially into China?
A: As for the possible impact of this nuclear test on the environment, the Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection has released the relevant information on the situation. The Chinese government attaches great importance to protecting the Chinese nationals' personal safety and environmental safety. The Chinese competent authority will continue to gather the comprehensive information on the impacts of this nuclear test on China and take necessary measures to safeguard the Chinese nationals' personal safety and environmental safety in its territory.
..............