China urges calm, restraint over Korean Peninsula

A Foreign Ministry spokesman on Monday urged all relevant parties to remain calm and restrained regarding the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

"The Chinese side opposes any moves that may lead to the escalation of tensions and are inconducive to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," spokesman Hong Lei said at a regular press briefing.

He said China is greatly concerned regarding the current state of affairs on the peninsula.

The People's Democratic Republic of Korea (DPRK) has vowed to conduct more rocket launches and a higher-level nuclear test after the UN Security Council unanimously approved a resolution on Pyongyang's December 2012 rocket launch and expanded sanctions on the country last week.

"We hope that all relevant parties will remain calm and restrained, as well as work to maintain peace and stability in northeast Asia," Hong said.