LOC17:41
14:41 GMT
TOKYO, May 28 (KUNA) -- China said Friday it will not "patronize" anyone
responsible for the sinking of a South Korean warship in March, but added that
China has not yet concluded that North Korea was behind the tragedy, Seoul's
media reported.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao made the remarks during his meeting with South
Korean President Lee Myung-bak in Seoul, Yonhap News Agency said. Wen said
China "opposes and censures any kind of act destroying peace and stability on
the Korean Peninsula," Lee Dong-kwan, senior secretary at the presidential
office was quoted as saying.
Wen also said Beijing has yet to decide whether to accept results from a
South Korea-led multinational investigation that blamed North Korea for the
March 26 torpedo attack on the South Korean warship Cheonan that left 46
sailors dead. Pyongyang denies any responsibility and threatens an "all-out
war" at any attempt to punish it for the tragedy.
"The Chinese government will determine its position in an objective and
fair way with the clarification of the rights and the wrongs of the situation,
thinking highly of the international investigation and the international
community's response," Wen said, according to the report.
Wen's comments came in response to the South Korean president's request for
Beijing's support for Seoul's handling of the issue. Lee explained South
Korea's position in a "strong tone," showing the premier a document on the
results of the international probe, the spokesman said.
South Korea plans to bring the sinking case to the UN Security Council for
punishment, and China's cooperation is crucial for Seoul's diplomatic efforts
at the UN. China, the North's close communist ally that has veto power at the
Council, has a record of weakening resolutions that punish the North for its
provocations, including its missile and nuclear tests. (end)
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KUNA 281741 May 10NNNN