Beijing losing patience with wayward neighbour N Korea
Pyongyang's patron might decide it is wasting its time pandering to regime and cut aid
North Korea's third nuclear test is expected to push Beijing into getting tougher with its wayward neighbour and reassess how it deals with it.
The Foreign Ministry said China was "firmly opposed" to Pyongyang's decision to conduct the test in the face of widespread international opposition.
It said Pyongyang should honour its commitment to drop its nuclear programme and "refrain from any move that may further worsen the situation".
The ministry did not say what, if any, specific action Beijing would take, but called for parties involved to remain "cool-headed" and resolve the issue within the framework of the long-stalled Six-Party Talks, which also include Japan, South Korea, Russia and the United States.
Beijing has long been Pyongyang's chief ally, with China accounting for almost all of North Korea's foreign trade and aid.
But the third nuclear test serves as a reminder that Pyongyang has paid no regard to pressure from China, triggering calls for Beijing to change its tactics in dealing with its secretive neighbour.