China, North Korea's key diplomatic protector, said Wednesday it "firmly opposes" Pyongyang's nuclear test, adding it was carried out "irrespective of the international community's opposition".

"We strongly urge the DPRK side to remain committed to its denuclearisation commitment, and stop taking any actions that would make the situation worse," foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular briefing, using the North's official name.