China has openly opposed to the South Korea-U.S. joint military exercise scheduled this month and demanded sanctions relief for North Korea.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry website, Minister Wang Yi, while attending a virtual session of the ASEAN Regional Forum on Friday, said the U.S. should not take measures that can raise tensions if it really wants to resume talks with North Korea, in reference to the joint drill.

The minister went on to say that North Korea suspended nuclear testing and long range ballistic missile test launches for the past several years, and an effective way to overcome the current stalemate is through the easing of UN sanctions on Pyongyang to foster favorable conditions for dialogue and negotiations.

Wang Yi mentioned the snapback provision in UN resolutions that allows for temporary sanctions relief, which could be reinstated if the North goes on to violate rules. 

China has consistently called on the international community to alleviate sanctions on Pyongyang, including in a phone call with South Korea's foreign minister in June.

[Photo : YONHAP News]