China urges region to step back from Korea clash

South Korea and Japan blame North Korea for torpedoing South Korea's Cheonan which killed 46 sailors. China, North Korea's biggest trade partner, has declined to to publicly join international condemnation of North Korea, saying it is still assessing evidence. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao kept to that stance on a two-day summit which was originally meant to focus on regional economic integration. Wen didn't give any indication that China would accept an effort to condemn or sanction North Korea. As a permanent member of the Security Council, China can veto any resolution or statement.

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE64T0ID20100530

Submitted by Derald Willey