Reflecting Beijing's hands-off stance toward the volatile rift between the two sides of the Korean Peninsula, the statement from Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu neither directly criticized Seoul's plans to stage a live-fire military drill nor Pyongyang's threat to strike if the drill goes ahead.

But Jiang's statement, issued on the Ministry's website (www.mfa.gov.cn), made plain that Beijing fears a repeat of the confrontation that erupted last month, when the DPRK shelled a RoK island after Seoul staged a military drill.

"The situation on the Korean peninsula is now particularly complex and sensitive, and China is highly concerned," Jiang said.

Jiang renewed China's call for talks to defuse the confrontation between Seoul and its long-time ally Pyongyang.

"China resolutely opposes, without the least ambiguity, any actions that could lead to a deterioration and escalation in the situation and wreck regional peace and stability."