US, China must work together on N. Korea, other global issues: Blinken

As he spelled out US strategy toward China and its rising power struggle, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Beijing to collaborate with the US on global concerns, particularly North Korea.

Despite their differences, the senior US ambassador maintained that the two states must collaborate on critical global concerns such as North Korea.

“It’s in all of our interests to defend the rules, norms, and treaties that help restrict the spread of weapons of mass destruction,” Blinken said in a speech at George Washington University.

“China and the United States must keep working together and with other countries to address Iran and North Korea’s nuclear programs, and we remain ready to discuss directly with Beijing our respective responsibilities as nuclear powers,” he added.

Blinken’s remarks come as North Korea is widely anticipated to conduct a nuclear test as part of its ongoing saber-rattling.

Pyongyang has staged 17 rounds of missile tests this year, including at least four suspected launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

Officials in Seoul have said the country appears to have completed “all preparations” for a nuclear test, which would mark North Korea’s seventh nuclear test if conducted.

Pyongyang last conducted a nuclear test in September 2017.

“We remain committed to intense diplomacy, alongside intense competition,” said Blinken.

“Even as we invest, align and compete, or work together with Beijing where our interests come together, we can’t let the disagreements that divide us stop us from moving forward on the priorities that demand that we work together for the good of our people and for the good of the world,” he added. (Yonhap)