China supports "an appropriate and balanced reaction" from the UN Security Council to the nuclear test conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), the Chinese envoy said on Friday.

Zhang Yesui, Chinese permanent representative to the United Nations, made the statement as he was speaking to the full Security Council meeting after the 15-nation UN body unanimously adopted a resolution condemning "in the strongest terms" the May 25 nuclear test by the DPRK, the second since 2006.

Zhang Yesui, Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations, speaks during the full Security Council meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, June 12, 2009. China supports "an appropriate and balanced reaction" from the UN Security Council to the nuclear test conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), the Chinese envoy said here on Friday, after the 15-nation UN body unanimously adopted a resolution condemning "in the strongest terms" the May 25 nuclear test by the DPRK. [Xinhua]

"We support an appropriate and balanced reaction" from the Security Council to nuclear test conducted by the DPRK, he said. "The measures are in accordance with Article 41, Chapter 7 of the UN charter."

"The resolution not only demonstrates the firm opposition of the international community to the DPRK nuclear test, but also sends a positive message to the DPRK," he said. "It shows the stance and determination of the Security Council to resolve the DPRK nuclear issue peacefully through dialogue and negotiations. In this context, Chinese delegation voted in favor of the resolution."

Immediately after the nuclear test by the DPRK on May 25, the Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing its firm opposition to the nuclear test, Zhang said.

"We strongly urge the DPRK to honor its commitment to denuclearization, stop relevant moves that may further worsen the situation and return to the six-party talks," he said.

"The issue of cargo inspection is complicated and sensitive," Zhang said. "Countries need to act prudently in strict accordance with domestic and international laws, and under the precondition of reasonable grounds and sufficient evidence. Under no circumstances should there be the use of force or the threat of the use of force."

"Under the current circumstances, parties concerned should keep calm and restraint, and refrain from actions that my aggravate the situation," Zhang warned. "This serves the common interests of all parties."

"China will continue to act in a responsible and constructive manner to strengthen contact with parties concerned, address the issue appropriately, work for early resumption of the six-party talks, and play an active part in achieving denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and maintaining peace and stability on the Peninsula and in Northeast Asia," he added.

(Xinhua News Agency June 13, 2009)