Chinese, ROK foreign ministers discuss peninsula tension

Foreign ministers of China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) called for diplomatic efforts to contain the escalation of tensions on the Korean peninsula, ROK foreign ministry said Thursday.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a one-hour phone conversation Wednesday night with his ROK counterpart Yun Byung-se at the request of Yun, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The two top diplomats exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, including the DPRK's nuclear program.

During the dialogue, the two ministers agreed to make "utmost" diplomatic efforts to contain escalating tensions, including further provocations on the Korean Peninsula, and maintain peace and stability in the region.

They also discussed Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Seoul slated within this year, while sharing views over bolstering up the China-South Korea strategic partnership through high-level dialogues.

The phone dialogue came amid escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula. After firing a volley of short- and medium-range missiles, the DPRK threatened a "new form" of nuclear test on March 30 in response to what it called continued hostility from the United States.

A day later, the two Koreas exchanged artillery fires across the disputed maritime border, and three drones suspected of coming from the DPRK were found recently in the western and eastern frontline areas.