BEIJING, Aug. 31 -- China on Thursday called on all parties involved in the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue to refrain from provoking each other and raising tension.

"China maintains its stance on the denuclearized Korean Peninsula," said Ren Guoqiang, spokesperson of China's Ministry of National Defense at a routine press conference.

China expects peace and stability on the Peninsula, and that the nuclear issue be resolved through dialogue and consultation, Ren said.

"Military means must not become an option in the Peninsula issue," Ren said.

Ren also answered questions concerning the previous visit of Joseph Dunford, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Dunford's visit to China is an important part of the China-U.S. military annual exchange plan, said Ren.

The aim of the visit was to implement the consensus reached by the presidents of both countries, promoting sustained, healthy and stable development of bilateral military ties, Ren said.