China on Tuesday again appealed for calm and restraint by all concerned parties so as to avoid any further escalation of tension with regards to the sinking of the Republic of Korea (ROK) warship and the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

"China has always been firmly committed to safeguarding peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and has consistently held this position for dealing with related issues," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang at a regular news briefing.

Qin called for properly addressing related problems and maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

At the invitation of the ROK embassy to China, ROK Vice Foreign Minister Chun Yung-woo is now visiting China and officials from China's Foreign Ministry will meet with him on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to Qin.

The South Korean "Cheonan" warship sank on March 26 near the maritime border with the DPRK after an explosion, killing 46 sailors.