China calls for renewed talks on Korean Peninsula

Chinese authorities are pressing forward calls for negotiations on the heels of the latest nuclear test by North Korea.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying says the Chinese government wants to see a resumption of the 6-party talks.

"China firmly upholds the view that the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue should be resolved through dialogue and consultation, seeking a balanced solution to the security concerns of all parties concerned and seeking a way that will bring long-term peace and security to the peninsula."

In making the statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry is also rebuffing suggestions coming from the United States that China should be doing more on the issue.

"The origin and the real issue of the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue do not lie in China but in the United States. The issue is, in essence, the contradiction between North Korea and the United States. Perhaps the United states should recall the evolution of the nuclear issue and give a serious thought to a practicable solution to it."

Friday sees Pyongyang conduct its 5th nuclear test, which is its 2nd this year.