US, North Korea set for head-on collision, China warns

The United States and North Korea are set for a “head-on collision” with neither side willing to
give way, China’s top diplomat has warned.

CNN reported that in a week of heightened tensions in the region, Foreign Minister Wang Yi
cautioned the US in unusually frank language against the deployment of a controversial missile
defense system in South Korea. The system is vehemently opposed by China.

But he also had strong words for North Korea, saying Pyonyang should suspend its nuclear weapons programme.

“The two sides are like two accelerating trains coming towards each other,” Wang told reporters
in Beijing. “The question is, are the two sides really ready for a head-on collision?”
China’s stern warning came in the week that North Korea launched four ballistic missiles and the
US deployed the first components of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missile system
(THAAD) in South Korea.

A report in China’s state news agency Xinhua said the deployment of THAAD could kick off an “arms race” in the region. “More missile shields of one side inevitably bring more nuclear missiles of the opposing side that can break through the missile shield,” the article said, suggesting China could accelerate its nuclear program.

Wang called on the US and South Korea to ease tensions in the region by suspending annual joint military exercises that antagonize North Korea, in exchange for Pyongyang halting its nuclear program.

“Nuclear weapons will not bring security,” Wang said. “The use of force is no solution. Talks
deserve another chance and peace is still within our grasp.”