China tells N. Korea it opposes any measure that could destabilize region

Chinese President Hu Jintao said in a meeting with a visiting North Korean official on Tuesday that he would not support any action that may exacerbate tension in the Asian region, one week after Pyongyang test-fired missiles into the East Sea, Chinese media reported.

Talking to Yang Hyong-sop, vice president of North Korea's Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, Hu also expressed hope that all the parties concerned would act in a way favorable to the stability of the Korean Peninsula, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Yang arrived here earlier in the day to attend an event marking the 45th anniversary of a friendship treaty between the two allies.

His five-day trip comes amid intense diplomacy aimed at dealing with North Korea's recent missile launches, as the international community tries to coax Pyongyang back to six-way talks on its nuclear program.

At the same time, Japan is lobbying members of the United Nations Security Council to approve a punitive resolution on North Korea.

Xinhua provided no details of Hu's intention in making the remark, but sources said that he signaled that neither Japan's move to pressure North Korea nor the latter's alleged plan to fire another long-range missile would be sanctioned by China.

"China has always been committed to maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula, and we insist on resolving the relevant issues through peaceful dialogue and negotiations," Hu was quoted as saying.

Responding to Hu's views, Yang said his country will also work to maintain regional stability and peace, according to Xinhua

Beijing, July 11 (Yonhap News)