China says North Korea missiles won't damage thaw

BEIJING Oct 13 (Reuters) - North Korea's missile launches will not damage a recent thaw in its international relations, China's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, following reports that the North was preparing to fire more short-range missiles.

"We have noted the relevant reports and noted that North Korea has launched short-range missiles," spokesman Ma Zhaoxu told a regular news conference.

"I believe that this won't affect the trend towards easing on the Korean peninsula."

The missile launches on Monday, the first in about three months, come as Pyongyang said it was ready to return to international talks on ending its nuclear arms programme, though it has insisted on holding negotiations first with the United States. (Reporting by Chris Buckley; Editing by Lucy Hornby and Ken Wills)

North Korea

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