Inspection of N. Korean vessels 'complex and sensitive' issue: China+

BEIJING, June 23 Kyodo -
China stressed Tuesday that any interception and inspection of North Korean
vessels on the high seas should be based on ''sufficient evidence,'' and called
on all parties to refrain from any action that could intensify an already tense
situation.

Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin
Gang said the U.N. Security Council resolution calling on all 192 member states
to carry out cargo inspections of North Korean vessels suspected of carrying
nuclear or missile-related cargo is a ''complex and sensitive issue'' that
should be based on ''reasonable grounds.''
''China will strictly adhere to the U.N. Security Council's resolution, but at
the same time any relevant cargo inspections should be based on sufficient
evidence and the right reasons,'' Qin said. ''Under the current circumstances,
we call on all parties to refrain from taking any action that will intensify
the tense situation.''
Qin was responding to media reports the U.S. Navy is preparing for a possible
intercept of a North Korean ship suspected of carrying missile and
nuclear-related items, after it leaves the coastal area of China.
He said China had no details on where the vessel originated, where it is
headed, or what cargo it carried but added the country is in close contact with
the United States on the North Korean issue.
According to Fox television last Friday, the U.S. destroyer John S. McCain,
deployed at Yokosuka base in Japan's Kanagawa Prefecture, is already traveling
to the area of the North Korean ship.
Though the navy has yet to issue an interception order, the destroyer may
conduct an inspection of the North Korean cargo ship Kang Nam once the vessel
leaves the coastal area of China, according to the report.
The navy has been monitoring the North Korean ship at sea under new U.N.
sanctions that bar Pyongyang from exporting missile and nuclear-related items.
Since the United States cannot conduct the inspection of the vessel on the high
seas without North Korea's consent, the navy is considering monitoring the ship
until it enters a port for refueling and then asking the local government to
conduct the inspection.
The Kang Nam is reportedly headed toward Singapore, having left North Korea
last Wednesday.
A Singaporean government agency warned Friday it will take appropriate action
if the ship is carrying weapons of mass destruction.
==Kyodo