S. Korean president asks China to deter DPRK's nuclear test

SEOUL - The Republic of Korea (ROK)'s President Park Geun- hye asked China Friday to exercise its leadership in deterring the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) from seeking a fresh nuclear test.

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"I'd like to stress (the importance of) China's role," Park said in a joint press conference with US President Barack Obama. "China has strongly opposed to another nuclear test (of the DPRK) and said it will faithfully carry out the UN Security Council resolutions."

Park said that she was anticipating China will take stronger actions, at a decisive moment when the DPRK would seek to stage another nuclear test.

The president asked China to exercise its leadership in deterring the DPRK from seeking another nuclear test, saying China has a significant influence on the DPRK given the size of bilateral trade between the two countries.

If Pyongyang conducts its fourth nuclear test, it will rattle security in Northeast Asia, letting efforts to resume the six- party talks come to nothing, Park said.

"If North Korea (DPRK) buys time, while efforts are being made on dialogue, and advances its nuclear capability, the meaning of the six-party talks will disappear," said Park.

This will lead to arms race in the region, and calls to stop such races will become unjustifiable, Park said, noting it will result in threats to the world peace.