China urges calm as N. Korea launches mid-range missiles

China called for calm and restraint on Wednesday, shortly after North Korea test-fired what appeared to be two intermediate-range Musudan ballistic missiles.

China's foreign ministry spokeswoman, Hua Chunying, urged the "relevant countries" not to take action that could escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula, when asked about the North's latest launch of ballistic missiles.

"The situation on the Korean Peninsula is very complex and sensitive," Hua said at a regular press briefing.

North Korea has defied U.N. resolutions that ban the North from conducting missile tests using ballistic missile technology.

South Korea's defense officials said the first launch on early Wednesday morning failed, but the second missile reached an attitude of about 1,000 kilometers and flew about 400 kilometers.

If confirmed successful or partially successful, the second test would mark progress made in North Korea's development of mid-range Musudan missiles. Before the latest launch, Pyongyang had launched four Musudan missiles but all ended in failure. (Yonhap)