BEIJING: China called today for an “appropriate and balanced” UN resolution against North Korea for its recent nuclear test and missile launches after a draft was submitted to the Security Council. “We always believe that the Security Council should pass an appropriate and balanced resolution which is conducive to promoting the denuclearisation on the Korean peninsula,” foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang told reporters. He added the resolution should help “safeguard peace and stability in northeast Asia,” and said China would continue to make efforts in that regard. Major powers at the United Nations, including China, agreed on Wednesday on a draft resolution that includes expanded sanctions on North Korea, such as tougher cargo inspections and a tighter arms embargo. The compromise draft was worked out following two weeks of bargaining by envoys of seven nations — the five permanent members of the Security Council, and Japan and South Korea — and has been presented to other council members. It is widely expected to be endorsed at a vote by the end of the week.