China calls for political talks after North Korea rocket test

China on Wednesday emphasized the need for a political settlement on the Korean Peninsula after North Korea confirmed a test of what it described as a large-caliber multiple rocket launcher system, an event that has again raised security concerns in East Asia and drawn criticism from neighboring countries.

Beijing urges dialogue

Speaking at a press briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said different parties held conflicting views on the nature of the projectiles involved. Stressing diplomacy over confrontation, Guo noted that China expects relevant actors to focus on the underlying causes of the Korean Peninsula issue and to work toward peace and regional stability rather than escalation.

Details of the test

Pyongyang said the test was carried out on Tuesday under the supervision of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, with four rockets launched toward waters roughly 358 kilometers from the site. Kim described the drill as an important step in strengthening what he called the country’s strategic deterrent, arguing that recent technical improvements had enhanced the system’s strike effectiveness.

Regional reactions and wider context

South Korea and Japan said North Korea fired projectiles they assessed as ballistic missiles into the East Sea, denouncing the launches as destabilizing. The test marked the second such event this month, following an earlier January launch that coincided with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s visit to China. From Türkiye’s perspective, officials and analysts have consistently underlined the importance of dialogue-based solutions and respect for international stability mechanisms, aligning with calls to reduce tensions through political engagement.