China continues to support a political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue and is willing to play a constructive role in addressing it, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning at a press briefing in Beijing on Friday.
Mao made the statement in response to a question concerning the intention of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to further expand its nuclear arsenal, following the country's release of photos showing a uranium enrichment facility earlier on Friday.
"China's position on the Korean Peninsula issue remains unchanged. We always believe that maintaining peace and stability in the region and promoting a political settlement serve the common interests of all parties. China will continue to play a constructive role in this regard," said Mao.
China reaffirms support for political settlement of Korean Peninsula issue: spokeswoman
A bell-ringing ceremony was held to mark the 93rd anniversary of the September 18 Incident in front of a monument at the September 18 Incident History Museum in Shenyang City, northeast China's Liaoning Province, on Wednesday.
It was on this fateful day in 1931 when Japanese troops blew up a section of the railway near Shenyang under their control, and accused Chinese troops of sabotage as a pretext for subsequent aggression against China.
Representatives of people from all walks of life struck a bell 14 times, symbolizing the 14 years of fight against Japanese aggressors by the Chinese people. The bell was cast with the words "Never forget national humiliation".
At 09:18, 14 cities in Liaoning sounded air raid sirens for three minutes, while vehicles came to a halt and honked their horns, and citizens were standing in silent tribute to mark this dark chapter in history. Ships and trains also sounded their sirens.
For years, China has kept marking the September 18 Incident.
The incident sparked Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
The 1931-1945 Japanese invasion caused more than 35 million casualties among Chinese troops and civilians, accounting for one third of the WWII casualties worldwide.
During the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, China fought with two-thirds of Japan's army, making a major contribution to the allied victory in WWII.
China holds ceremony to mark 93rd anniversary of Sept 18 Incident
