BEIJING - Chinese President Hu Jintao on Monday called for calm and rational response from all sides to prevent the deterioration of the fragile security situation on the Korean Peninsula.

Related readings:  DPRK attacks the new ROK defense chief  DPRK warns S. Korea against 'rash acts'  ROK FM to discuss DPRK issues with US counterpart

In a telephone conversation with his US counterpart Barack Obama, Hu said China is greatly concerned about the current tension on the peninsula, and deeply regrets the loss of lives and properties in the exchange of artillery fire between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and South Korea late last month.

The fragile security situation on the Korean Peninsula, if not properly handled, could lead to further escalation of tension, or even run out of control, which is not in the common interests of all parties concerned, said Hu.