Beijing opposes any moves that will sabotage stability on the Korean Peninsula and calls on all parties to sit down for peace talks, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday.

"Dialogue and consultation are the only effective ways to resolve the current crisis," spokesman Hong Lei said at a daily news conference, noting that the situation on the peninsula has been precarious lately. He called for calm and restraint.

When asked if China supports direct dialogue between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the United States, Hong said China urges all parties to talk and learn about each other's concerns.

"We want peace over war, dialogue over confrontation," he said.

In response to US Senator John McCain's allegation on Sunday that China has failed "to rein in what could be a catastrophic situation", Hong said Beijing's efforts to prevent the escalation of the current crisis have been visible to all.

Beijing has been taking a clear and consistent stance regarding the DPRK nuclear issue, the spokesman said.

"China has also been devoted to the peace and stability of northeast Asia and has made unremitting efforts to promote the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," he said.

"We urge all sides to undertake due obligations and restart negotiations within the framework of the Six-Party Talks."

China Daily

(China Daily 04/09/2013 page11)