China says DPRK's short-range missile tests have no effect on Korean Peninsular nuclear issue

BEIJING, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- China said Tuesday the missile launches of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Monday were short-range rockets and would not affect easing tensions on the Korean Peninsular.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu made the remarks in response to a question on China's stance over the issue at a regular news briefing.

South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported that Pyongyang had test-fired a total of five short-range ground-to-ground missiles off its east coast on Monday.

"We hope all parties concerned remain calm and show restraint and jointly maintain regional peace and stability," Ma said.

He called for all sides to make constructive efforts to push forward the denuclearization process of the Korean Peninsular and the early resumption of the six-party talks.

DPRK leader Kim Jong Il said earlier this month that his country was willing to attend multilateral talks, including the six-party talks, depending on the progress of its talks with the United States.

Launched in 2003, the six-party talks on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue involve China, the DPRK, the United States, the Republic of Korea, Russia and Japan.

The talks have been stalled since the last round in Beijing last December.