BEIJING, May 23 -- China urges relevant parties to keep calm and exercise restraint to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Friday.

Hong Lei made the remarks at the ministry's regular press briefing, saying that China noted news reports of shelling by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea into waters of Yeonpyeong near a warship of the Republic of Korea. The warship allegedly fired five shells into northern waters in response.

The situation on the Korean Peninsula remains complicated and sensitive, and China pays great attention to developments, Hong said.

China hopes all relevant parties remain calm and exercise restraint to avoid actions that could lead to military conflict or jeopardize the situation, and make joint efforts to safeguard peace and stability of the peninsula.