Beijing urges caution following new US sanctions on North Korea

Want China Times, Xinhua 2015-01-06

President Barack Obama attends a press conference at the White House,
Dec. 20, 2014. (File photo/Xinhua)

A Chinese spokeswoman called for caution after the United States imposed new sanctions on North Korea.

US President Barack Obama on Friday signed an executive order, imposing sanctions against North Korea government in response to what he called Pyongyang's "numerous provocations," particularly the latest cyber attack on Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at Monday's news briefing that the "relatively stable" situation on the Korean peninsula was hard-won and that all sides concerned should act cautiously to avoid an escalation of tensions there.

"(All sides) should work together to safeguard peace and stability on the peninsula," said the spokeswoman.

The United States has accused Pyongyang of hacking Sony Pictures Entertainment over comedy film The Interview that depicts an assassination attempt on North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un. But North Korea has denied involvement, calling such claims "a wild rumor."

At Monday's news briefing, Hua also reiterated that China opposes any form of cyber attack and will not allow any country or person to launch cyber attacks using Chinese infrastructure or on Chinese territory.