China urges political settlement after North Korea tested 'multiple rocket launcher system'

ISTANBUL

China said Wednesday it is seeking a political settlement on the Korean Peninsula after North Korea tested a “large-caliber multiple rocket launcher system.”

“We noticed that relevant parties have different views on what the projectiles are,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a news conference in Beijing.

His comments came after Pyongyang confirmed it conducted a test-firing of the rocket system on Tuesday under the supervision of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

“We hope relevant parties will face up to the root cause of the Korean Peninsula issue, stick to the direction of political settlement and make an effort for peace and stability in the region,” Guo said.

North Korea said four rockets were launched during the test, striking a target in waters about 358.5 kilometers (222.7 miles) from the launch site.

Kim said the test marked “a great significance in improving the effectiveness of our strategic deterrent,” claiming technical upgrades have maximized the system’s strike capability.

On Tuesday, South Korea and Japan said North Korea fired two ballistic missiles toward the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, and condemned the launches.

The launches were the second this month, following a Jan. 4 test that coincided with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s state visit to China.