China Urges Restraint after N. Korea Nuclear Announcement
North Korea's sole major ally China urged "all relevant parties" to show restraint Thursday after Pyongyang said it planned to carry out a third nuclear test and more rocket launches aimed at the U.S.
"All relevant parties should refrain from action that might escalate the situation in the region," foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters in Beijing.
China hoped they would "stay calm, be discreet in words and deeds and look at the long term interest and push for the resumption of the six-party talks," he said, referring to long-stalled negotiations over the North's nuclear program.
The comments came after the North hurled fresh invective at its U.S.-led foes in a statement from its National Defense Commission, without specifying when the atomic test -- part of an "upcoming all-out action" -- might be carried out.
"We do not hide that the various satellites and long-range rockets we will continue to launch, as well as the high-level nuclear test we will proceed with, are aimed at our arch-enemy the United States," the commission said.
China is the North's leading energy supplier and trade partner, but Beijing backed a U.N. Security Council resolution this week that condemned Pyongyang's rocket launch last month and imposed fresh sanctions.
Also Wednesday, China appealed for restraint and diplomatic efforts to avoid a dangerous escalation of tensions.
"The DPRK's (North Korea's) satellite launch as well as speculation of a nuclear test highlight the urgency and importance of settling relevant issues on the Korean peninsula," Lei told reporters.
Source: Agence France Presse
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