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Tensions on the Korean Peninsula

China concerned with situation on Korean Peninsula — foreign ministry

North Korea has launched several short-range projectiles in the direction of the Sea of Japan

Chinese Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Hua Chunying EPA/HOW HWEE YOUNG

Chinese Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Hua Chunying

© EPA/HOW HWEE YOUNG

BEIJING, March 21. /TASS/. China is concerned about the current situation on the Korean Peninsula and calls on Pyongyang to observe all UN resolutions, Chinese Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Hua Chunying told a briefing on Monday.

"We are very concerned about the current situation on the Korean Peninsula. We hope that the North Korean side will not do what goes against the resolutions of UN Security Council. We also hope that all sides will be able to maintain calmness and restraint, as well as avoid any actions that may lead to increasing confrontation and escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula," Hua said commenting on North Korea’s latest missile launches.

TENSIONS ON THE KOREAN PENINSULA

South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense said earlier today that North Korea has launched several short-range projectiles in the direction of the Sea of Japan. "Launches were registered from the city of Hamhung at 3:39 pm (9:39am Moscow time). Projectiles flew over 200 kilometers and fell into the sea," the ministry said. South Korean military "has been brought to combat readiness and are closely following the developments," the ministry added.

On March 18 North Korea launched two medium-range ballistic missiles in the direction of the Sea of Japan. The missiles are presumed to have been of Nodong type with a range of 1,200-1,500 kilometers.

On March 10 Pyongyang launched two short-range ballistic missiles in the direction of the Sea of Japan. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the missiles were launched from the North Hwanghae province in the country’s south. The missiles flew around 500 kilometers and fell into the sea to the north-east of the Wonsan city in North Korea’s east.

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