LOC16:15
13:15 GMT
TOKYO, Nov 29 (KUNA) -- China said Wednesday it was seriously concerned about and opposed to North Korea's test-firing of a newly developed Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, official media reported.
"China strongly demands the DPRK (North Korea) abide by the UN Security Council resolutions and refrain from actions that heighten the tension on the Korean Peninsula," Foreign Ministry Spokesman Geng Shuang was quoted as saying by Xinhua News Agency.
"China expects all parties to act prudently to maintain regional peace and stability," Geng said.
After its launch in early morning, the missile Hwasong-15 flew for 53 minutes and accurately landed in the open East Sea of Korea (Sea of Japan), completing rocket weaponry system development by North Korea, according to the official Korean Central News Agency.
UN Security Council resolutions ban Pyongyang from developing nuclear and missile programs.
Asked if China will tighten sanctions against North Korea, Geng said, "China has implemented relevant Security Council resolutions and delivered on its obligations, but opposes unilateral sanctions outside the ambit of the UN."
The spokesman also called on parties to reject the use of force and to consider China's suspension-for-suspension initiative, which means North Korea suspends its nuclear and missile activities in exchange for the suspension of large-scale US-South Korea military exercises. (end)
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