A state-run Chinese paper has, in an unusual move, criticized North Korea in regards to the sinking of South Korea’s "Cheonan” Navy vessel.

The Global Times, which is a sister paper of the Chinese Communist Party's official gazette, says North Korea's strong protest to the Cheonan investigation results is not persuasive and is not being recognized by the world.

The paper said that although Pyongyang claims zero responsibility in the matter, it has not yet proved it. It said if North Korea made a mistake, it should acknowledge it.

The Global Times also says that the international community supports the evidence presented by South Korea and Seoul’s response measures and that the North should take note of this.