China responds to DPRK's suspected missile launches

BEIJING - China urged parties to avoid actions that will escalate tension on the Korean Peninsula following the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s two suspected missile launches on Wednesday.

"Given the complicated and sensitive situation on the Korean Peninsula, all parties should avoid moves that escalate tension on the Peninsula and work to maintain regional peace and stability," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said when asked to comment on the issue.

The DPRK fired what were believed to be two Musudan intermediate-range ballistic missiles on Wednesday, Yonhap news agency reported, citing military authorities, but the DPRK has not confirmed the report.

The Korean Peninsula nuclear issue has complicated roots, which require a package of measures to resolve. Peace and stability there serve the interests of all parties and deserve unremitting joint efforts, Hua said.

"We have explained our stance to the DPRK and the rest of the world," Hua said.

A healthy and stable relationship between China and the DPRK is conducive to solving the nuclear issue on the Peninsula and maintaining peace and stability there, she said, adding that China will continue to work in this direction.

Hua called on all sides to make constructive efforts to help ease the situation and resume dialogue.