Advertisement

China to Rex Tillerson: Use a 'cool-headed' approach to North Korea

By Amy R. Connolly
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Saturday. China urged the United States to use a "cool-headed" approach to tensions with North Korea after Tillerson said military action is an option "on the table." Photo courtesy Secretary of State office
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Saturday. China urged the United States to use a "cool-headed" approach to tensions with North Korea after Tillerson said military action is an option "on the table." Photo courtesy Secretary of State office

March 18 (UPI) -- China urged the United States on Saturday to use a "cool-headed" approach to tensions with North Korea after Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said military action is an option "on the table."

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the situation was at a "crossroads," but must not escalate into a deeper conflict. Tillerson, in his first official trip to Asia, earlier spoke of "dangerous levels" of tension as North Korea continues to develop nuclear powers.

Advertisement

In a joint news conference in Beijing, Wang agreed with Tillerson's assertion both countries had a common goal of denuclearizing the Korean peninsula, but he also had advice.

"We hope all parties, including our friends from the United States, could size up the situation in a coolheaded and comprehensive fashion, and arrive at a wise decision," Wang said.

The comments come after President Donald Trump tweeted accusations that China is not doing enough to assist in stopping North Korea.

"North Korea is behaving very badly. They have been 'playing' the United States for years. China has done little to help!" Trump wrote.

Advertisement

Latest Headlines