DPRK's nuclear test not conducive to stability of Korean peninsula: China

As the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) conducted its biggest ever fifth nuclear test on Friday, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui has said the move is "not conducive to the peace and stability of the Korean peninsula."

Zhang made the remarks in a meeting with DPRK ambassador to China Ji Jae Ryong on Saturday to voice Beijing's position on the nuclear test.

Asserting it is China's "firm and consistent" stance to realize denuclearization on the Korean peninsula, he said that maintaining regional peace and stability and resolve problems through dialogue and consultation were its others stances.

"The DPRK's persisting nuclear weapon development and nuclear tests run counter to the expectations of the international community, escalate tension on the peninsula and is not conducive to the peace and stability there," Xinhua quoted Zhang as saying.

Meanwhile, China has urged the DPRK to refrain from actions that might exacerbate tension in the region and return to the correct direction of denuclearization at an early date.

On Friday, DPRK had conducted a nuclear warhead explosion test which was the country's fifth nuclear test and potentially its most powerful yet.

The seismic activity, with a magnitude of 5.3, was detected near Punggye-ri, Kilju County, which is the same location as four other tests, the most recent of which was in January.

Condemning the test, South Korea said that it was a clear violation of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution.