China Urged to Cooperate on North Korea Issue, Says US Secretary of State

Title: US Secretary of State Urges China to Exert Influence on North Korea

Date: June 20, 2023

In a recent visit to China, US Secretary of State Tony Blincoln emphasized the need for China to exert its influence on North Korea. Blincoln views North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as the most unstable regional actor and expressed concerns over his repeated missile tests and the possibility of a seventh nuclear test.

During an interview with CBS, Blincoln stated that he had urged China to cooperate on the North Korean issue. He emphasized the importance of moving Kim Jong-un away from missile testing and towards the negotiating table to address the nuclear and missile programs. Blincoln made it clear that if China fails to use its influence with North Korea, the US, South Korea, and Japan will take further action to protect themselves and their allies.

While Blincoln acknowledged that these measures, including training and deploying more defense assets in the region, are not aimed at China, he acknowledged that China may not appreciate them. He expects China to recognize the need to use its influence against North Korea and emphasized that past efforts have seen some success.

During his visit, Blincoln had detailed discussions with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang, Director for Foreign Policy Wang Yi, and President Xi Jinping. He described his conversation with President Xi as a higher-level engagement focused on the overall relationship between the two countries and the need to find ways to cooperate.

This visit marks the first time a US Secretary of State has visited China since the inauguration of the Biden administration. It has been approximately four years and eight months since the previous visit by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during the Trump administration. Blincoln’s visit was initially scheduled for February but was delayed due to a reconnaissance balloon incident involving China.

The US Secretary of State’s efforts to engage with China on the North Korean issue highlight the importance of international cooperation in addressing regional security concerns. As tensions continue to rise, the world will be closely watching how China responds to the US’s call for action on North Korea.

What concerns has US Secretary of State Tony Blincoln expressed regarding North Korea’s missile tests and potential nuclear test?

US Secretary of State Urges China to Use Its Influence on North Korea

Date: June 20, 2023

In a recent visit to China, US Secretary of State Tony Blincoln has emphasized the urgent need for China to exert its influence on North Korea. Blincoln regards North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as a highly unpredictable figure in the region and has expressed concerns over the repeated missile tests and the potential for a seventh nuclear test.

During an interview with CBS, Blincoln stated that he had urged China to cooperate on the North Korean issue. He underscored the significance of persuading Kim Jong-un to cease missile testing and engage in negotiations that could address the pressing concerns regarding North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. Blincoln made it explicitly clear that if China fails to leverage its influence with North Korea, the United States, South Korea, and Japan will be compelled to take further measures in order to safeguard their own interests as well as those of their allies.

While Blincoln acknowledged that these measures, such as enhanced defense deployments and training, are not directed at China, he acknowledged that China may not view them favorably. He expects China to acknowledge the necessity of using its influence to effectively address the North Korean issue, highlighting the past successes achieved through such efforts.

During his visit, Blincoln engaged in comprehensive discussions with high-ranking Chinese officials, including Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang, Director for Foreign Policy Wang Yi, and President Xi Jinping. His conversation with President Xi was a particularly significant engagement that focused on the overall relationship between the United States and China, as well as the imperative of finding ways to enhance cooperation.

This visit is notable as it marks the first time a US Secretary of State has traveled to China since the beginning of the Biden administration. Prior to this, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited China during the Trump administration approximately four years and eight months ago. Blincoln’s visit was initially scheduled for February but faced a delay due to an incident involving a reconnaissance balloon and China.

The efforts made by the US Secretary of State to engage with China on the North Korean issue underscore the critical importance of international cooperation in addressing regional security concerns. As tensions continue to escalate, the global community will closely monitor China’s response to the United States’ call for action on the North Korean matter.