China decides its position on Korean peninsula affairs based on the merits of each case and does not seek to protect any side, said Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.

Attending the first-ever "Lanting Forum" held in the blue hall of the Foreign Ministry compound, Yang told his audience of diplomats and academicians that China is highly concerned about the current situation as tension has once again risen on the Korean peninsula.

According to Yang, China is of the view that the most pressing task now is to prevent any escalation of tensions, and nothing should be done to inflame the situation.

"The parties concerned should keep calm and exercise restraint, and work to bring the situation back onto the track of dialogue and negotiation," said Yang.

Yang said the Chinese side has made a series of efforts to prevent the situation from escalating and worsening since the exchange of fire between the DPRK and the ROK.

"We have stayed in close communication and coordination with relevant parties and urged various parties to maintain calm and restraint by all means, address the issues through dialogue and consultation and jointly safeguard peace and stability on the Korean peninsula," said Yang.

According to Yang, China has proposed holding emergency consultations among the heads of delegation to the Six-Party Talks in Beijing in early December, in the hope that the consultations will help ease the current tension and create conditions for the resumption of the Six-Party Talks.

"We will make continued efforts to encourage all parties to work together to maintain peace and stability on the peninsula and in northeast Asia," said Yang.

Disputes need to be resolved peacefully

Territorial and maritime disputes should be peacefully resolved between the parties directly involved through bilateral negotiations, said Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.

All countries should play a constructive role and refrain from creating new trouble and tension or complicating matters. All countries should act in a way that contributes to regional stability, mutual trust and unity, said Yang.?>>Full Story