Chinese President Hu Jintao said Tuesday that China opposes any action that may aggravate tension on the Korean Peninsula after Pyongyang's missile tests and urged for a dialogue to solve the crisis.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) meets with Yang Hyong-sop, vice-president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of DPRK in Beijing July 12, 2006. [newsphoto]

He made the remarks when meeting Yang Hyong-sop, vice-president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), who is in Beijing for a five-day visit marking the 45th anniversary of a friendship treaty.

Hu said China, as a close neighbour of the DPRK, is seriously concerned over its test-firing of a barrage of missiles last week, which he described as "new complicated factors" on the peninsula.

"We have long been committed to maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula and insisted on a peaceful solution through dialogue and negotiation," he said.

"We oppose any action that may worsen the situation on the Korean Peninsula," he told Yang.

Responding to Hu's comments, Yang said his country is ready to work together with China to "safeguard peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and in the region."

Hu stressed that China would make joint efforts with other sides "to overcome current difficulties and create favourable conditions" to promote the Six-Party Talks.

Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu (right) is greeted by North Korean Premier Pak Pong Ju during their meeting Tuesday, July 11, 2006 in Pyongyang. Hui visited Pyongyang to mark 45th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between China and North Korea. [AP Photo]

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