1st LD-Writethru: China "seriously concerned" by DPRK missile test

BEIJING, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- China said Wednesday it was seriously concerned by and objected to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) latest firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile.

"China demands the DPRK abide by UN Security Council resolutions and refrains from actions that heighten tension on the Korean Peninsula," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said at a regular news briefing.

China expects all parties to act prudently to maintain regional peace and stability, Geng said.

After its launch in early Wednesday 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 the DPRK, according to the official Korean Central News Agency.

UN Security Council resolutions ban the DPRK from developing nuclear and missile programs. The body will hold an urgent meeting Wednesday to discuss the latest development.

Asked if China will tighten sanctions against the DPRK, Geng said China has implemented relevant Security Council resolutions and delivered on its obligations, but opposes unilateral sanctions outside the ambit of the UN.

China deals with the Peninsula nuclear issue with the aims of denuclearization, resuming dialogue and protecting regional peace and stability, Geng said.

He called on parties to reject the use of force and to consider China's suspension-for-suspension initiative, which means the DPRK suspends its nuclear and missile activities in exchange for the suspension of large-scale U.S.-ROK (Republic of Korea) military exercises.

The spokesperson confirmed a bridge linking China to the DPRK will be temporarily closed but reopen when the DPRK finishes maintenance of the bridge floor. Enditem