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China tells North Korea it will never allow peninsular war

PYONGYANG, North Korea, Feb. 20 (UPI) -- China informed North Korea its goal is the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, noting it will "never allow war or chaos" in the region.

The message was conveyed by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin during his four-day visit to North Korea ended Thursday, South Korea's Yonhap news reported quoting a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement.

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China is the closest ally of North Korea and Liu's warning came as the North remains adamant in pursuing its nuclear weapons program, having already conducted three nuclear tests.

China is also trying to restart the stalled six-nation talks on the North's denuclearization which includes the United States, Russia, South Korea and Japan.

"Liu Zhenmin stressed that China adheres to the goal of denuclearization of the Peninsula, maintaining peace and stability on the Peninsula and solving problems through dialogue and negotiation. China will never allow war or chaos on the peninsula," the Chinese statement said.

Liu made his remarks during a meeting with senior North Korean officials, including Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun.

Yonhap said his comments appeared to be the first time a senior Chinese official had publicly stated his country's views. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, however, reportedly conveyed similar remarks last week during talks with visiting U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.

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