Bato: China, Russia opposed Japan call to denuclearize Korean Peninsula

Japan’s call for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula was blocked at the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) following China and Russia’s opposition, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa disclosed Friday.

“Japan, he [Ikeshita Taku from the Diet of Japan and a member of the House of Representatives] was always emphasizing on their draft resolution about denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula which was heavily opposed yesterday, you know, [by] the allied countries of North Korea like Russia and China,” Dela Rosa said in an interview with reporters.  

“Marami silang opposition kahapon during our working group meeting which I presided [over],” he added.

(They aired many oppositions yesterday during our working group which I presided over.)

Based on APPF rules, resolutions are only adopted through a consensus. Once any member-state opposes it, a resolution is considered rejected.

The Japanese parliamentarians who attended the plenary session on political and security matters reiterated their stand on the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula since it is expected that the Japan-sponsored resolution will not be adopted during the 31st APPF, Dela Rosa said.

In the draft resolution filed by Japan, they expressed their “gravest concern at the danger to peace and stability in Northeast Asia and the globe brought by provocations and attempts at nuclear armament by North Korea, including its nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches, which it is conducting at an unprecedented frequency and in new manners.”

It also condemned the nuclear tests and launches of ballistic missiles conducted by North Korea and urged the latter to abide by the United Nations Security Council resolutions and the Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks in 2005 not to conduct any further provocative actions including nuclear tests or any launch of all ranges using ballistic missile technology and abandon weapons of mass destruction and existing nuclear programs.

The resolution likewise urged the APPF member states to fully and effectively implement these resolutions and remain vigilant for sanctions evading activity. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News