China has expressed opposition to South Korea’s plans to conduct live-fire drills from Yeonpyeong Island.

China’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement issued on its Web site Saturday that Beijing opposes the planned drills and hopes the two Koreas will seek to engage in dialogue and negotiations.

The statement said Beijing is opposed to any act that would worsen the situation on the Korean Peninsula and destroy peace and stability in the region.

China has also expressed its concerns over the planned live-fire drills through other diplomatic channels.

Earlier on Friday, Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun summoned South Korea’s Ambassador to Beijing Yu Woo-ik and explained China’s stance on the planned drills. He requested that South Korea remain cool-headed and restrain itself in order to stop tensions on the Korean Peninsula from mounting further.