China urges the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) to remain calm and avoid actions that could lead to military escalation, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan in Beijing Thursday.

Kong made the remark at a press conference when asked to comment on an alleged incident involving exchange of fire Thursday morning in the demilitarized zone separating the DPRK and the ROK.

China hopes the two sides will make joint efforts to safeguard the stability and peace on the Korean Peninsula, Kong said.

Kong said that Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo left for the United States Thursday afternoon to exchange views on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) nuclear issue with the US side.

Kong said that Dai will hold talks with US Secretary of State Colin Powell during his two day stay in the United States.

Since the DPRK nuclear issue is a common concern, China's stance can be summarized as being a mediator to promote dialogue and cool both sides down, said Kong.

China will make unremitting, active, responsible and constructive efforts for resolving the issue, the spokesman added.

Kong said that Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and Powell fixed Dai's visit to the United States during phone talks held Wednesday.

China's efforts to resolve the DPRK nuclear issue can be embodied in Dai's visits to the DPRK and Russia and his upcoming visit to the United States, as well as in Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi's recent visit to the United States, Kong said.

Kong said that British Prime Minister Tony Blair will visit Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong during his upcoming official visit to China.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao will hold talks with Blair, Kong said, noting Chinese President Hu Jintao and Central Military Commission Chairman Jiang Zemin will also meet him.

Blair will attend a seminar at Qinghua University, and preside over a ceremony there inaugurating a research center for clean energy, Kong said.

Blair will address a China-Britain business symposium in Shanghai and in Hong Kong, Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa will meet with him, Kong said.

(Xinhua News Agency July 18, 2003)