China says DPRK's nuclear test not conducive to Korean peninsular

BEIJING -- Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui said Saturday the nuclear test launched by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is "not conducive to the peace and stability of the Korean peninsula."

Zhang made the remarks in a meeting with DPRK ambassador to China Ji Jae Ryong to voice China's position on DPRK's nuclear test.

Zhang said it is China's "firm and consistent" stance to realize denuclearization on the Korean peninsula, maintain regional peace and stability and resolve problems through dialogue and consultation.

"The DPRK's persisting nuclear weapon development and nuclear tests run counter to the expectations of the international community, escalate tension on the peninsula and is not conducive to the peace and stability there," Zhang said.

China urges the DPRK to refrain from actions that might exacerbate tension and return to the correct direction of denuclearization at an early date.

DPRK state-run television reported early Friday that the country had conducted a nuclear warhead explosion test. It was Pyongyang's fifth nuclear test and followed the previous one by eight months.

China's Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Friday expressing firm opposition to DPRK's nuclear test.