Beijing has urged relevant parties to exercise restraint over the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) issue ahead of a trilateral meeting between China, Republic of Korea (ROK) and Japan next week.

"Tensions have somewhat risen over the DPRK, but the overall situation has not deviated from a track of dialogue and consultation," Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui said.

China hopes relevant sides will exercise restraint and meet each other halfway, Luo told reporters in Beijing on Thursday.

Read more:

China, Russia propose easing sanctions on DPRK, U.S. says 'premature'

Chinese envoy says new draft resolution 'good attempt' to break U.S.-DPRK dialogue deadlock

Pyongyang conducted two weapon tests at the country's western Sohae satellite launch site on December 7 and 13 separately.

Ahead of the year-end negotiation deadline set by the DPRK, tension has mounted in recent weeks.

Pyongyang has vowed to take an unspecified "new path" if Washington fails to soften its stance before the deadline.

A day after the December 13 test, the DPRK's Chief of the General Staff Pak Jong Chon said his country was using recent tests to develop new technologies and strategic weapons. In a case of "acute confrontation," the United States "and other hostile forces will spend the year-end in peace only when they hold off any words and deeds rattling us," he said.

"We hope that the concerned parties will practice restraint and meet each other halfway, and work through dialogue to realize positive interactions and quickly find a meeting point to find a resolution," said the Chinese vice foreign minister.

U.S. Special Representative for the DPRK Stephen Biegun is expected to arrive in Beijing on Thursday for talks. Luo also confirmed the trip.

Earlier Biegun visited Seoul and Tokyo, calling for the DPRK to return to the negotiating table.

Luo said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi earlier discussed the DPRK issue with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on the phone. Luo did not give further details.

Earlier this week, China and Russia drafted a resolution to the UN Security Council and called on parties to accommodate the DPRK's concern on easing sanctions.

The U.S. has said it's not the right time to lift the sanctions.

Leaders from China, the ROK and Japan are expected to attend a trilateral meeting in Chengdu, southwest China on December 24. Premier Li Keqiang will host the meeting. 

Before the gathering, Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold separate talks with ROK President Moon Jae-in and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, according to Luo.

(CGTN's Liu Yang and Wang Lei also contributed to the story.)