China opposes aggravating Korea tensions

BEIJING - China opposes any action that would aggravate the tensions on the Korean Peninsula, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said during a Tuesday press briefing.

Hong Lei's comment came after the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Tuesday suggested that all foreign organizations, companies and tourists in the Republic of Korea (ROK) prepare to evacuate as the situation on the Korean Peninsula "is inching close to a thermonuclear war."

As the current situation is extremely complex and sensitive, no one should undermine peace and stability on the peninsula, Hong stressed.

Pyongyang on Monday announced its decision to withdraw all its workers from the Kaesong Industrial Complex, a joint industrial park in the DPRK's border town of Kaesong, and effectively cease operations at the inter-Korean industrial zone that houses 123 ROK companies.

Hong said maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula calls for the DPRK and ROK to mend their fences by reconciliation and cooperation.