Beijing voices concern as media speculate on DPRK missile test

China voiced its deep concern over the developing Korean Peninsula situation on Thursday after media reports speculated that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea may conduct a missile launch in the near future.

Beijing is paying great attention to the current situation, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told regular news conference in Beijing on Thursday.

Earlier on Thursday, Japan's Kyodo news agency quoted an unnamed Japanese government source as saying that an analysis of satellite imagery indicated North Korea might be preparing for a missile launch.

"We hope that, under the current situation, all the relevant parties could tackle the current situation in a calm manner, not resort to overreaction, and avoid escalation of the already tense situation," Hua said.

All the relevant parties are expected to jointly ensure the peace and stability of the peninsula, Hua added.

The spokeswoman reiterated China's commitment to achieving the denuclearization of the peninsula and safeguarding the peninsula's peace and stability, and she also called for dialogue and reconciliation for a proper tackling of the issue.