by Xinhua writers Qu Junya, Du Baiyu
BEIJING, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- A way out of the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula cannot be found in the latest exchange of tough words between Washington and Pyongyang.
Unless there's a return to reason and a full commitment to a practical and peaceful solution, such a hostile approach will do little but make things worse.
Just earlier in the day, Pyongyang said it was mulling launching a missile strike against the U.S. Pacific military base of Guam, hours after U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to counter threats from Pyongyang with "fire and fury."
The war of words came two days after Washington and Seoul vowed to do the utmost to pressure Pyongyang into compromises, and after Pyongyang issued a statement against the new United Nations Security Council resolution on sanctions against its ballistic missile and nuclear programs.
"If the U.S. fails to act with discretion, persisting in its reckless attempts to stifle the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea), we will not waver or hesitate to use any form of ultimate means," Pyongyang said in the statement.
However, the bottom line on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula is that there must not be any armed conflict there. There is no room for any related party to play with fire on the issue.
Exercising restraint is needed for making responsible choices to ensure peace, particularly at a moment approaching crisis, which can however also serve as a turning point for coming back to the negotiation table.
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