Beijing April 10 (IANS) China on Monday called on the US and North Korea to exercise restraint and avoid escalation of tensions after the US deployed a nuclear aircraft carrier close to the Korean peninsula.
The US Pacific Command confirmed on Saturday that it has mobilised the nuclear-powered USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier and its attack group to waters near North Korea in response to North Korea s launch of a medium-range missile into the sea on April 5 Efe news reported.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a press conference that Beijing is closely monitoring the situation.
The Carl Vinson which was on its way to Australia after participating in annual joint military exercises with South Korea just a month back was steered back toward the Korean Peninsula following US President Donald Trump s meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Florida last week.
During the meet both leaders discussed the need to prevent fresh provocations by Pyongyang an ally of Beijing.
--IANS
ksk/dg
China urges US, North Korea to maintain calm
