China calls for 'turnaround' in Korean situation

BEIJING-- China on Thursday called for all parties concerned to take action to turn around the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a regular press briefing that the parties concerned should not make any move to further escalate the situation.

"On the contrary, they should take action to realize a turnaround of the situation," he said.

Hong said China has made unremitting efforts to this end and will continue to do so.

"The Chinese side believes that despite changes in the situation, we have to stick to resolving the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue through dialogue and consultation, push for improvement in relations between the parties concerned and focus on maintaining peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula," Hong said.

He said the international community has shown great concern over the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

"It is the universal aspiration of the international community to see peace and stability on the peninsula," he said.

He called for the parties concerned to restart the six-party talks and push forward denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.