"The most important thing now for the parties concerned is to remain calm and practice restraint, refraining from taking any action that will further escalate the situation," said Kong at a regular briefing.

Major Western media quoted a US official as saying on Wednesday that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has re-activated its nuclear reactor. The DPRK halted operations of its nuclear reactors at Yongbyon in 1994.

If confirmed, the new development will cast a shadow over the international community's efforts to resolve the nuclear stand-off on the peninsula.

Kong yesterday again said that dialogues between the US and the DPRK are the key to resolving the issue.

He added that the United Nations Security Council should adopt a cautious attitude and should not take actions that will complicate the matter.

Kong declined to say if China plans to send a special envoy to the DPRK soon, but stressed that China has been playing an "active and constructive" role in resolving the stand-off.

The spokesman also commented on the possibility that Australia will join the US defence program.

"China does not support the missile defence system because it is not conducive to international disarmament efforts nor to solving the security concerns of countries," said Kong, adding that the security issue should be resolved through international cooperation.

China has been advocating a new security system which features trust, reciprocity, equality and cooperation.

(China Daily February 28, 2003)