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N. Korea not planning another test: China

Pallavi Aiyar

Beijing: North Korean leader Kim Jong-il told a visiting Chinese delegation to Pyongyang last week that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) did not plan to carry out a second nuclear test.

This was revealed by a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Tuesday, the first official comments from China regarding Special Envoy Tang Jiaxuan's trip to Pyongyang a few days after the October 9 test. The spokesperson, Liu Jianchao, said Mr. Kim Jong-il told Mr. Tang that the DPRK would be willing to return to the six-party talks if certain concessions were made.

Lifting of sanctions

Mr. Kim made particular reference to the United States and lifting of financial sanctions against it by the U.S.

"They expressed to us their willingness to return to the six-party talks but there are certain conditions," Mr. Liu said. "They are willing to return, but these questions, including financial sanctions, need to be solved."

"He [Kim] expressed that North Korea does not have a plan for a second nuclear test," the spokesperson added, "but if others put further pressure or unfair pressure [on the country], then North Korea may possibly take further measures."

Mr. Liu clarified that contrary to some media reports, Mr. Kim did not apologise for the nuclear test. The spokesperson warned against expanding the U.N. sanctions against North Korea.

"All parties should not wilfully interpret or expand the sanctions," he said, adding that he was unaware of any Chinese plans to cut food and energy aid to Pyongyang. China supplies almost 90 per cent of North Korea's oil and is also its largest food donor.

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