China wont defend guilty in sinking

South Korea,the US and Japan have condemned North Korea after a multinational investigation blamed Pyongyang for the attack. China,however,took a cautious position.

China will decide its stance after considering international probes and the reactions of all countries,Wen told Lee,according to a briefing by presidential adviser Lee Dong-kwan. China will defend no one whatever the outcome,Wen said,according to Lee.

Chinas backing would be key to any bid to condemn or sanction North Korea. Beijing,a veto-wielding permanent UN Security Council member,so far has refrained from committing to council action against Pyongyang,its neighbour and traditional ally.