China’s government and state-run media have issued tempered criticism of North Korea after a fifth nuclear test as Beijing faces the prospect of a quickly escalating arms race in the region.

The Foreign Ministry in Beijing condemned North Korea, calling again for renewed six-party talks.

“[China is] resolutely opposed to North Korea’s latest nuclear test and strongly urges North Korea to stop taking any actions that will worsen the situation,” said a foreign ministry spokesman.

China’s official news agency Xinhua warned all sides to take a step back just two months after South Korea’s announcement it would deploy THAAD in