China reiterated Friday that safeguarding the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and northeast Asia is in the common interests of, and also the common responsibility of, all parties concerned.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei made the remarks at a routine press briefing in response to a question on the satellite launch plan of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Hong said China has expressed concern after the DPRK's announcement of its satellite launch plan.

Under current circumstances, China calls on all related parties to practise calmness and restraint, in an effort to avoid the reversal of the hard-won relaxation of tension on the Peninsula, according to Hong.

The DPRK has said it will launch the Kwangmyongsong-3 satellite between April 12 and 16 to celebrate the centenary of the birth of its late leader, Kim Il Sung.