The Chinese government says the six-way nuclear talks must continue if North Korean denuclearization is to be realized.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang told reporters Thursday that the members of the six-way nuclear talks have pledged to establish a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula and peace in the region. He added that China hopes the members of the nuclear talks will stand by their pledge and seek to open and advance the nuclear negotiations.

Qin said tension in the region must be eased through peaceful means, including dialogue, adding that the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the establishment of permanent peace in the region would be beneficial for all members of the nuclear discussions.

Qin’s remark is apparently aimed at urging Pyongyang to retract a pledge made earlier in the week by the North’s ceremonial head of state, Kim Yong-nam, in which he said that the six-way nuclear talks are forever finished.