BEIJING, April 22. /ITAR-TASS/. China has called for the continuation of the process of denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang made this statement on Tuesday, commenting on the reports suggesting that North Korea intended to carry out another nuclear test.

“In this situation we call on all sides to keep calm and continue the process of denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula,” the diplomat said. According to him, “the corresponding issues should be discussed at the negotiating table in order to maintain peace in the region.”

A spokesman for the South Korean National Defence Ministry said earlier on Tuesday that Pyongyang was capable of carrying out a nuclear test any moment. “Our military has detected various signs at the Punggye-ri nuclear site in Kilju, North Hamgyong Province,” the spokesman said. He stressed that South Korea’s assessment was that North Korea (DPRK) may conduct a nuclear test “soon.” North Korea in October 2006 carried out its first nuclear test at Punggye-ri. Seoul has warned Pyongyang against carrying out another nuclear test, saying the international community would come up with “grave countermeasures” to punish it.