China urged again the countries involved in the North Korean denuclearization talks Tuesday to reconsider its proposal to hold an emergency meeting to discuss ways of defusing mounting tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Beijing called Sunday for emergency discussions early next month among envoys to the six-party talks involving South and North Korea, the U.S., China, Japan and Russia. South Korea, the U.S. and other countries have responded negatively to the overture.
"The starting point of the proposal on the emergency talks among six-party talks members was to provide an opportunity among the members to
have contact with each other," said Hong Lei, spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry, at a regular press briefing.
"The most urgent issue of the current situation on the Korean Peninsula is to return to a path of talks and negotiations."
Inter-Korean tensions have come to a head after North Korea fired artillery on a South Korean island near the disputed maritime border a week ago. The North's attack on Yeonpyeong Island, which is home to fishing communities and military bases, killed two South Korean marines and as many civilians, and left 18 others wounded.
The provocation has drawn flak from the international community and angered South Koreans, as it was their bitter rival's first attack on civilians since the 1950-53 Korean War.