China urges US, N.Korea to reduce tensions

The Chinese government on Friday called on the US and North Korea to exercise restraint and help reduce tensions after two US bombers flew near the Korean peninsula before US President Donald Trump's upcoming Asia trip.

"The situation in the Korean peninsula is still highly sensitive and complicated. All parties should watch their words and actions and move to alleviate tensions," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying.

"All parties should exercise restraint and help reduce tensions instead of aggravating them," said Hua, who recommended going back to consultations and dialogue catering to the concerns of both sides in a balanced way.

Trump will arrive in Japan on Sunday after which he will visit South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

The trip comes at a time marked by months of missile and nuclear tests by the North Korean regime that have escalated regional tensions, even sparking fears of an armed conflict.

Hua also criticised Washington's decision to impose sanctions against China's Bank of Dandong, which is accused of collaborating in evading financial sanctions on North Korea.

"We strongly oppose the long-arm jurisdiction imposed by any country in accordance with its own domestic laws," she added, in a clear reference to the bank which takes its name from the main Chinese city bordering North Korea.

--IANS

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