CHINA has revealed it is becoming increasingly concerned about North Korea's nuclear bragging as military tensions continue to mount in the region.

North Korea's vice-foreign minister has told the BBC Pyongyang will continue to test missiles and would launch a pre-emptive nuclear strike if it believed the US was planning an attack.

2 China's Foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang is calling for calm Credit: Reuters

2 North Korea last month launched four missiles towards Japan

Now China's Foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang has hit out any words or actions that could further raise tensions on the Korean peninsula.

Mr Lu spoke out amid heated rhetoric from both sides in recent days and weeks.

US Vice-President Mike Pence, who has been visiting the region, warned the North not to test Washington and said the US "era of strategic patience" with Pyongyang was over.

Now the BBC reports the Chinese government is also becoming increasingly frustrated with its traditional communist ally.

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"I have noted the recent report," Mr Lu said, referring to the BBC interview with the North Korean official.

"China expresses serious concern with recent trends about North Korea's nuclear and missile development.

"China is unswerving in its commitment to realising the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, maintaining the peace and stability of the Korean peninsula, and continue to solve matters through dialogue and negotiations."

Mr Lu added that tension was already high in the region before the latest inflammatory comments from Pyongyang.

The North also held a show of military might in a parade in honour of Kim Jong-un and tested another missile on Sunday, which the Pentagon said blew up almost immediately after launch.