The test launch of five short-range missiles by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Monday will not derail the prospect of easing tension on the Korean Peninsula, China's Foreign Ministry said yesterday.

The test-firing was the first for the DPRK in months and comes as Pyongyang said it was ready to resume talks on denuclearization.

"We hope all parties remain calm and show restraint to maintain regional peace and stability," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu.