Q: Foreign Ministers from the US, Japan and the ROK are reported to meet in Washington in coming days to discuss ways to urge China to exert influence on the DPRK and China's proposal of emergency consultations among heads of delegation to the Six-Party Talks. How do you comment?

A: As the US, Japan and the ROK are all members to the Six-Party Talks, we closely watch what the meeting is up to. Given the extremely complicated and sensitive situation on the Peninsula at present, it is hoped that the meeting play a positive role of cooling the situation on the Peninsula rather than the contrary and promoting dialogue rather than confrontation. It is hoped the three parties positively consider China's proposal, proceeding from the overall interests of safeguarding peace and stability in the region and denuclearization on the Peninsula.