China regrets DPRK nuke facility reopening

BEIJING - Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Tuesday that China regrets the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s intention to reopen its nuclear facilities.

The DPRK said that it will restart operations at the Nyongbyon nuclear facility, which was shut down under an agreement made at the six-party talks held in October 2007.

"We have noticed the statement made by the DPRK and feel regretful about it," Hong said at a Tuesday press briefing.

Hong said China has constantly advocated denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula and maintaining peace and stability in the peninsula and northeast Asia.

"We are calling for all parties concerned to remain calm and restrained, return to dialogue and consultation as soon as possible and jointly seek ways to appropriately resolve the issue," Hong said.