A number of leading Chinese observers are issuing words of caution, suggesting the Chinese government doesn't have the ability to stop a war from happening on the Korean peninsula.
CRI's Zhang Shuangfeng has more.
Some observers in the international community have been suggesting China has the ability to stop a war on the Korean Peninsula by putting additional pressure on North Korea.
However, leading Chinese observers are less optimistic about that possibility.
Professor Zhang Liangui is from the CPC Central Committee's Party School.
"China has issued a harsh rebuke to North Korea. But frankly speaking, we do not have the means to stop any clashes. The countries involved may turn a deaf ear to what China has suggested and act on their own will. As such, China lacks the ability to stop the war from happening."
Dong Xiangrong, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, says it is difficult for the Chinese government to alter its current policies towards North Korea.
"China has been putting in a lot of effort toward trying to resolve the issue, and has been effective in helping the situation from deteriorating. But in general, we are still miles away from our goal. Unless something significant happens, it will be hard for China to change its current policy towards North Korea, which is no war, no collapse and nuclear-free."
Professor Zhang Liangui also says there is a very good possibility North Korea may launch missiles soon.
"Based on the current circumstance, it is highly possible that North Korea could launch a long-range missile and start a new round of nuclear tests. Currently, the tension on the Korean peninsula is particularly intense, and a number of countries are on high alert. If North Korea does launch the missile, the U.S, Japan and South Korea will deploy anti-missile defenses immediately. And this may trigger military conflicts, so everything is hanging by a thread right now."
The Chinese government has been advocating a return to negotiations through the 6-party framework.
However, both North Korea and the United States have rejected the multi-country mediation process.
For CRI, I'm Zhang Shuangfeng. |