China has consistently called for careful dialogue and negotiation to defuse the nuclear standoff between North Korea and the United States.
China has again reiterated its calls for calm and has warned US President Donald Trump not to "play with fire" as the war of words intensifies.
China's state-run media has clarified the nation's position on any potential conflict.
In an editorial published by the Communist Party-run Global Times, the Communist Party said it will oppose any attempt at regime change in North Korea but will remain neutral if North Korea strikes America first.
The influential newspaper stated China "will firmly resist any side which wants to change the status quo of the areas where China's interests are concerned....