Korean nuclear issue: China urges restraint by all parties

China has asked all parties to show restraint on the 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 which are due to begin next month.The ROK's defence ministry said on Thursday that the drills between Seoul and Washington would be conducted as scheduled, NNN-XINHUA reported.Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei stated China's consistent position on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue at a regular media briefing here Thursday when he was asked to comment on the DPRK demand. Noting that China had 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.