China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged the US to remain "cool-headed" over North Korean tensions.
The situation was at a "crossroads", but must not be allowed to develop into a conflict, he said after hosting US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
Mr Tillerson spoke of "dangerous levels" of tension, a day after suggesting the US might launch a pre-emptive strike against North Korea.
North Korea is working to develop nuclear missiles that can reach the US.
Last week, it launched four ballistic missiles - defying United Nations resolutions.
Mr Tillerson is in Beijing in the final leg of his East Asia tour, which has been dominated by anxieties over North Korea.
In South Korea on Friday, he said a US military response would be on the table if North Korea threatened South Korea or US forces.
President Donald Trump tweeted that North Korea was "behaving very badly".
He added that China - Pyongyang's main ally - had done "little to help".
Mr Wang defended the Chinese position, saying all parties were duty-bound to implement UN sanctions against Pyongyang, but also to seek dialogue and diplomatic solutions.
"We hope that all parties, including our friends from the United States, could size up the situation in a cool-headed and comprehensive fashion and arrive at a wise decision," Mr Wang said.
The US has deployed its Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system (Thaad) in South Korea in a move it says is designed to protect against threats from North Korea.
But China has claimed the system goes "far beyond" the defence needs of the Korean peninsula.
Mr Tillerson, a former oil executive with no prior diplomatic experience, will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday.
Mr Xi is scheduled to visit the United States next month for his first meeting with President Trump.
Some commentators expect Mr Tillerson to downplay any tensions between the two countries ahead of that encounter.
The timing is hardly auspicious, says the BBC's China editor Carrie Gracie.
Latest Stories
-
Koda should have visited the pastor to avert the prophecy – Ajagurajah
11 seconds -
Emotional support alligator taken and released in swamp
8 mins -
A mate is a mate, Bawumia can’t be in the driver’s seat – NDC Communicator
9 mins -
Over 400 million Google accounts have used passkeys, but our passwordless future remains elusive
12 mins -
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park surpasses Aburi Gardens as most visited site in 2023 – GTA
14 mins -
Third IFC EDGE Students Design Competition opens in Ghana
23 mins -
Baidoo: Disgraceful maltreatment of the Black Princesses must stop
32 mins -
Telecel Ghana commits to community collaboration during Western Region tour
42 mins -
Chieftaincy Ministry shouldn’t have written the letter – Atuguba on Akufo-Addo-chiefs saga
46 mins -
Joe Vibe strikes a ‘Pose’ with new song
50 mins -
Works begin on inner-city roads in Ho
1 hour -
GJA to commemorate World Press Freedom Day in Koforidua
1 hour -
West Ham ban director Tim Steidten from dressing room as search continues for new manager
1 hour -
I haven’t been treated well by the NPP but I remain loyal – Former NPP MP
2 hours -
IGP petitioned to probe Kwadaso MP over ‘white envelope’ incident
2 hours