A Foreign Ministry spokesman said Friday that relevant parties should make more efforts to contribute to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Spokesman Hong Lei made the remark during a daily news briefing when asked to comment on a delay in the signing of the first military pact between Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK).

Hong said China has taken notice of the reports. China has always maintained that dialogue and consultations are the only effective way to solve disputes regarding the peninsula, he said.

The situation on the peninsula remains complicated and sensitive, Hong said.

"We hope relevant parties will act prudently and make more contributions to maintaining regional peace and stability," he said.

Japan and ROK on Friday put off the signing of their first military pact at the last minute.

The pact, if signed, would allow the two sides to exchange military intelligence on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and its nuclear and missile programs.