An overwhelming focus on tougher sanctions and greater pressure on Pyongyang will "lead to losing a hard-won chance, possibly worsen the standoff among parties concerned and sabotage efforts in promoting peace and talks", Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Friday.

Geng made the comments when asked about Beijing's hopes for the UN Security Council ministerial meeting on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend the meeting in New York on Friday, which will include delegates from key parties involved in the issue.