China calls for caution following new US sanctions on DPRK

BEIJING - A Chinese spokeswoman called for caution after the United States imposed new sanctions on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday signed an executive order, imposing sanctions against the DPRK government in response to what he called Pyongyang's "numerous provocations," particularly the latest cyber-attack on Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at Monday's news briefing that the "relatively stable" situation on the Korean peninsula was hard-won and that all sides concerned should act cautiously to avoid an escalation of tensions there.

"(All sides) should work together to safeguard peace and stability on the peninsula," said the spokeswoman.

The United States has accused Pyongyang of hacking Sony Pictures Entertainment over a comedy film, "The Interview," that depicts an assassination attempt on DPRK leader Kim Jong Un. But the DPRK has denied involvement, calling such claims "a wild rumor."

At Monday's news briefing, Hua also reiterated that China opposes any form of cyber-attack and will not allow any country or person to launch cyber-attacks using Chinese infrastructure or on Chinese territory.