China opposes DPRK's missile launch: FM spokesperson

BEIJING -- China on Friday said it opposes ballistic missile launches by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) against UN Security Council resolutions.

The DPRK reportedly fired a missile over Japan's northern island Hokkaido and into the Pacific Ocean on Friday.

"China opposes DPRK ballistic missile launches against the UN Security Council resolutions," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said.

"Currently the situation on the Korean Peninsula is complex, sensitive and serious. All parties concerned should exercise restraint and avoid any acts that may escalate tensions," Hua said.

In response to US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's statement calling on China and Russia to take "direct actions" to rein in the DPRK, Hua said China has comprehensively and completely implemented Security Council resolutions and made great sacrifices for this.

"There is no doubt about China's sincerity and efforts in carrying out its international obligations, and its determination to realize denuclearization on the peninsula and uphold the nuclear non-proliferation regime," said Hua.

She said the essence of the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue is a security issue and the crux is the disagreements between the DPRK and the United States.

"China is neither the focus of the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, nor the core to resolving the issue. Neither is it the propellant of the current tensions," she said, urging parties directly concerned to take up their due responsibilities.