Beijing, Apr 18 (IANS): Countries affected by North Korea's nuclear arms programme will prefer a peaceful resolution of the issue, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday.

In a press conference, Wang said China stays committed to the goal of denuclearisation in the Korean peninsula and would prefer the use of peaceful and diplomatic means to resolve the issue, Efe news reported.

"I think this is a common aspiration of the countries and a realistic way to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue," he said.

"In fact, the US has also reaffirmed its willingness to stick to diplomacy and peaceful means in settling this issue. This is the first option although there are other options on the table," Wang added.

The minister China considers the crisis an opportunity to resume dialogue and negotiations.

North Korea's Deputy Ambassador to the UN, Kim In Ryong, warned on Monday night that the US was pushing the situation to the brink of war.

"It has created a situation where a thermonuclear war may break out at any moment." he said.