Beijing Expresses 'Grave Concern' Over Rising Korean Tensions

A South Korean soldier stands on guard near the demilitarized zone dividing the two Koreas on April 5.

China has expressed "grave concern" over rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

On its website, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said its embassy was operating normally in the North Korean capital and asked authorities there to ensure its diplomats and other citizens were kept safe.

On April 5, North Korea advised diplomats to leave Pyongyang, saying it could not guarantee their safety.

However, reports say embassies appear to have viewed the appeal as more rhetoric and have stayed put.

North Korea, angry at new sanctions imposed on it for testing nuclear weapons, has made increasingly strident warnings of an imminent war with South Korea and the United States.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry statement late on April 6, quoting Foreign Minister Wang Yi, said Beijing would "not allow trouble-making on China's doorstep."

China is one of North Korea's few allies.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters\

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