Beijing, Feb 12 (IANS) China "firmly" opposes the latest nuclear test conducted by North Korea, the Chinese foreign ministry said Tuesday.
"On Feb 12, 2013, (North Korea) conducted another nuclear test in disregard to the common opposition of the international community," said the foreign ministry, adding that "the Chinese government is firmly opposed to this act", reported Xinhua.
North Korea's official KCNA news agency has confirmed the nuclear test took place.
"The scientific field for national defence of (North Korea) succeeded in the third underground nuclear test at the site for underground nuclear test in the northern part of the DPRK on Tuesday," said the news agency.
Pyongyang has already conducted similar nuclear tests in 2006 and 2009.
The foreign ministry said it is the firm stand of the Chinese side to bring about denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, prevent nuclear proliferation and safeguard peace and stability in northeast Asia.
"We strongly urge (North Korea) to honour its commitment to denuclearisation and refrain from any move that may further worsen the situation. To safeguard peace and stability on the Peninsula and in Northeast Asia serves the common interests of all parties," said the statement.
It added: "The Chinese government calls on all parties to respond in a cool-headed manner and persist in resolving the issue of denuclearisation of the Peninsula through dialogue and consultation within the context of the Six-Party Talks."
The six-party talks, a negotiation mechanism that includes North Korea, South Korea, the US, China, Japan and Russia, were launched in 2003 but stalled in December 2008. North Korea quit the talks in April 2009.
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