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BEIJING, China (CNN) -- China softened its tone Thursday against North Korea, saying "punishment is not the purpose" for possible U.N. sanctions against Pyongyang for its apparent nuclear test.
"The measures that should be taken should be conducive to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, peace and stability on the peninsula, and the resumption of six-party talks," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said.
The statement contrasted with comments made by China's ambassador to the United Nations on Tuesday, a day after Pyongyang claimed it had carried out the underground test.
"There has to be some punitive actions [against North Korea], but also I think these actions have to be appropriate, so we will discuss with others," envoy Wang Guangya said then.
The U.N. Security Council is mulling over the contents of a draft resolution, proposed by the United States, that would impose limited sanctions against North Korea for proclaiming it had conducted a nuclear test Monday.
The sanctions called for in the draft reportedly have been toned down to appease China and Russia. Both are veto-wielding members of the council and have opposed leveling sanctions against Iran for its nuclear program.
John Bolton, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, aims to introduce a formal resolution Thursday before the council in hopes of a Friday vote, according to Reuters.
A copy of a revised five-page text obtained by Reuters shows softer language on cargo inspections, a nod to concerns voiced by Russia and China. The resolution also requires countries to freeze North Korean assets related to weapons or missile programs, according to Reuters.
Additionally, the resolution would impose a travel ban on people who support Pyongyang's weapons programs, Reuters reported.
Liu, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, on Thursday urged Pyongyang to remain calm.
"Under the current circumstances, [North Korea] should stop any action that can worsen the situation and that all parties should respond in a coolheaded manner and take appropriate measures so as to resolve the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and consultation and resume the six-party talks. I think this is in the common interest of all the parties."
But China also called on the United States to change its opposition to direct negotiations with North Korea. The Bush administration has refused one-on-one discussions, insisting on a return to six-party talks that include China, Russia, South Korea and Japan to defuse nuclear tensions.
"If the two parties can strengthen their dialogue and consultation, this will help strengthen their understanding and mutual trust, narrow down their differences and this will have a positive role," Liu said.
U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Wednesday also said he supports negotiations between the United States and North Korea, "whether it is done in the context of the six-party talks or separately."
But President Bush hasn't budged from his opposition to bilateral talks, which he said did not work in the past and would not be the best strategy for the United States.
"I firmly believe that with North Korea -- and with Iran -- that it is best to deal with these regimes with more than one voice," Bush said Wednesday at a news conference in the White House Rose Garden.
Bush said North Korea's claims of a nuclear test had established Pyongyang as a "threat to international peace."
"The best way to convince Kim Jong Il to change his mind on a nuclear weapons program is to have others send the same message," Bush said.
While Washington will "continue working to make sure we give diplomacy a full opportunity to succeed," no options will be ruled out, he said, including military force.
"The United States remains committed to diplomacy," Bush said. "The United States also reserves all options to defend our friends and our interests in the region against the threats from North Korea."
He said the United States has no intention of attacking the communist nation.
North Korea on Wednesday said it would consider any increased pressure from the United States as "a declaration of a war," a North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman said, according to North Korea's state-run news agency, KCNA.
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