China urges North Korea to scrap nuclear weapons

UNITED NATIONS - China's U.N. ambassador, Zhang Yesui, said a U.N. resolution on North Korea passed on Friday demonstrated the firm opposition of the world to Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions and urged North Korea to end its nuclear weapons program.

We strongly urge the DPRK to honor its commitment to denuclearization, stop any moves that may further worsen the situation and return to the six party talks, Zhang told the U.N. Security Council, using the acronym for North Korea's full name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

China is the closest its neighbor North Korea has to a major ally.

Zhang said the resolution was appropriate and balanced and also offered a positive outlook for North Korea because it spells out that if Pyongyang complies with its obligations, the measures could be suspended or lifted.

He said measures authorizing states to inspect cargo ships suspected of carrying banned goods should be handled prudently, and inspections should be done in accordance with domestic and international law.

Under no circumstances should there be use or threat of the use of force, Zhang said.