This comes as North Koreans celebrated the April 15th birthday of founding President Kim Il-sung.

 

　　Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying:

 

　　"No matter what happens, we must stay committed to the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, uphold the Korean peninsula's peace and persist in solving the problem through dialogue. Over a period of time, China has always maintained close communication with all the relevant parties, urged the parties not to take actions that will antagonize one another and provoke one another with their words and actions, and avoid doing anything that could make the situation even more tense."

 

　　North Korea has issued an ultimatum, saying it will start "military demonstration" in response to South Korea's hostility.

 

　　South Korea's defense minister Kim Kwan-jin says that the North is seen ready to launch missiles, but he notes all-out-war does not appear to be in the cards.

 

　　"I think some of the South Korean people are concerned about possible war. This is not true. I can firmly say that there is no sign of all-out-war."

 

　　At the same time, the South Korean side says it regrets North Korea's rejection of talks.

 

　　North Korea has rebuffed the offer of talks, calling it a "crafty trick."