China expects restraint on Korean nuclear issue

China on Thursday asked all parties to show restraint on Korean Peninsula nuclear issue. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) demanded on Wednesday that the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) cancel their annual joint military drills due to begin next month. The ROK's defense ministry said on Thursday that the drills between Seoul and Washington would be conducted as scheduled. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei stated China's consistent position on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue at a regular press briefing when he was asked to comment on the DPRK demand. Noting that China has always advocated solving the nuclear issue through dialogue, Hong said that safeguarding peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula is the duty of all sides and is in line with their common interests. The overall situation in the peninsula is fragile and China expects all sides to avoid provocative moves and help stabilize situation, he said.