China on Tuesday said it was concerned about the situation on the Korean Peninsula and urged all parties involved in the area to seek dialogue.

"We feel concerned as the current situation on the Korean Peninsula is relatively complicated with uncertain factors on the rise," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang told the regular briefing.

Without specifying the "uncertain factors", Qin urged the parties to seek dialogue, show restraint and be cool-headed to ensure the peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and northeast Asia.

"I believe that will work for the interest of all parties concerned," Qin said.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) declared on Feb. 24 that it plans to launch a communications satellite as part of a peaceful space program. But the United States, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have voiced suspicions that it will be a cover for the test-firing of a long-range ballistic missile.

Qin said China had noted the DPRK's announcement that it would launch a communications satellite and the response of the international community.

"We believe it is paramount to ensure peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in northeast Asia. We hope all parties concerned can keep this goal in mind and do more to contribute to regional peace and stability," Qin said

China would seek to keep close communications with all parties concerned, said Qin hours after DPRK Premier Kim Yong Il arrived in Beijing on Wednesday morning for a five-day official visit.

"During Kim's visit, both sides will discuss issues of mutual interest," Qin said.

When answering a question about the six-party talks on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, Qin said it was widely acknowledged that the six-party talks were an effective mechanism to achieve the denuclearization of the peninsula, the normalization of relations and regional peace and stability.

"All parties agreed the talks should continue and yield further progress," he said.

The last round of talks was held in Beijing last December, but failed to register any substantive progress.

"We hope all parties can make joint efforts to resume the talks at an earliest date and fully carry out the agreement," Qin said.

Initiated in 2003, the talks involve China, the DPRK, the United States, the ROK, Russia and Japan.

"When the talks will resume depends on the decision of all the six parties and whether conditions are ripe," Qin said.

(Xinhua News Agency March 17, 2009)