No military buildup on China-DPRK border

BEIJING - The Ministry of National Defense on Friday denied foreign reports that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is building up on the country's border with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

"The reports are not true. China is paying close attention to the development of the current situation on the Korean Peninsula and has always been committed to safeguarding peace and stability in Northeast Asia," a ministry spokesman said.

Pyongyang on Tuesday suggested that all foreign organizations, companies and tourists in the Republic of Korea (ROK) should prepare to evacuate, as the situation on the Korean Peninsula "is inching closer to a thermonuclear war."

China has called for peace and dialogue on the Korean Peninsula, warning against a possible confrontation.

"Our stance has been consistent on the Korean Peninsula situation. We want peace over war, alleviation over tension, dialogue over confrontation," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Monday.

"China opposes any action that would undermine peace and stability on the peninsula," Hong said.