HONG KONG ¨C The rare public spat between China and North Korea illustrates the dilemma facing Beijing¡¯s leaders as they try to coax Kim Jong Un back to the negotiating table.
North Korea condemned China for banning coal imports in an unusually hostile state-media commentary last week, mocking its ally for ¡°dancing to the tune of the U.S.¡± and vowing to continue developing nuclear weapons. China stood firm, saying it would implement United Nations Security Council resolutions.
¡°Does anyone truly believe that the Korean nuclear issue is an easy one to solve, considering it has been with us for these many years?¡± Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Geng Shuang asked reporters Friday. The two nations remained ¡°friendly neighbors,¡± he added.
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