Concerns of further escalation

Since the sinking of the Cheonan warship, South Korea and the Untied States have hardened their stance over the DPRK and imposed harsh unilateral sanctions against the country.

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To break the deadlock, U.S. special representative for DPRK policy Stephen Bosworth is currently on an Asian tour to consult on the DPRK issues with South Korea, Japan and China. According to his schedule, he is expected to return to Washington on Wednesday.

Many fear the incident will ruin efforts to resume the six-party talks and further intensify the tensions between the two neighbors as the world has voiced concerns over the situation and urged parties concerned to exercise restraint.

China, Russia, the European Union (EU), Germany, Finland, Poland and Argentina, as well as UN chief Ban Ki-moon, have all expressed their concerns over the incident and urged restraint.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said on Tuesday that "we have noticed related reports and are concerned about the issue," saying the real situation needs to be confirmed.

"We hope related parties do things conducive to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," Hong said.

Russia said it was important to prevent any escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula following the exchange of fire between Pyongyang and Seoul.

"Importantly, this should not escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula," an unnamed foreign ministry official said.

EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton Tuesday called on the two sides on the Korean Peninsula to avoid escalation of violence, saying peace and stability on the Peninsula remain essential for the whole world.