BEIJING, CHINA - China called Tuesday for restraint after a series of North Korean missile tests and said the launches should not hamper an improving outlook for diplomacy in dismantling Pyongyang's nuclear programmes.

"We have noted that the DPRK (North Korea) has launched short-range missiles. I believe that this will not affect the improving situation on the Korean peninsula," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu told reporters.

"We hope relevant parties will exercise restraint, uphold regional peace and stability, and jointly promote the denuclearisation and six-party talks process."

The six-party talks are a forum grouping the two Koreas, hosts China, the United States, Japan and Russia, formed to negotiate an end to Pyongyang's nuclear weapons programmes in exchange for aid and diplomatic incentives.

North Korea on Monday launched five missiles off its east coast despite making a series of peace overtures since August.

South Korea said the tests violated a United Nations ban on missile launches by North Korea, while Japan's Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama called them "regrettable".

Military experts said the launches could be part of routine exercises, but may also be a show of firepower by the unpredictable North, which faces increasing pressure to return to the negotiation table.

North Korea quit the six-party talks in April after the United Nations condemned a North Korean long-range rocket launch.

In May it staged its second nuclear test, incurring tougher UN sanctions supported even by China, its close ally.