China calls for restraint after North Korea missile launch

FILE PHOTO: A North Korean flag flies on a mast at the Permanent Mission of North Korea in Geneva October 2, 2014. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo

BEIJING (Reuters) - China called on Sunday for restraint and for no party to do anything to exacerbate tension after North Korea fired a ballistic missile in defiance of calls to rein in its weapons programme.

"Relevant Security Council resolutions have clear rules about North Korea using ballistic missile technology to carry out launches. China opposes relevant launch activities by North Korea that are contrary to Security Council resolutions," China's foreign ministry said in a statement sent to Reuters.