国内英语新闻:China hopes for calmness, restraint over ROK warship sinking

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua)-- China on Thursday says it has noted the investigation results released by the Republic of Korea (ROK) over the sinking of a ROK warship, calling on all parties to exercise calmness and restraint over relevant issues of the sinking.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu made the remarks at a regular press briefing when responding to questions.

He said China upheld that all parties should exercise calmness and restraint, properly deal with relevant issues, and avoid escalation of the situation.

After the sinking of the ship, China expressed condolences and sympathy to the ROK on many occasions for their casualties, which fully embodied China's understanding of the grief of the ROK government and people.

Ma said China has always viewed and dealt with international and regional affairs in a fair and objective manner.

China is always devoted to safeguarding regional peace and stability, and promoting the progress of the six-party talks on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, he said, adding China was opposed to any activities which could run counter with the commitment.

The 1,200-ton "Cheonan," with 104 crew members onboard, went down on March 26 near the South Korean island of Baekryeongdo off the west coast after an unexplained explosion, killing 46 crew members.