North Korea conducted a nuclear test less than 100 kilometers from the Chinese border around in Kilju County, North Hamkyung Province mid-Tuesday, causing an artificial earthquake with a magnitude of 4.9.
The nuclear test immediately drew condemnation from the US, calling it "highly provocative," while Japan said it would mull imposing unilateral sanctions and South Korea vowed to seek measures to deter Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions.
However it was China's reaction that captured the attention of both foreign and domestic media, which triggered feverish speculation as to how North Korea's closest ally will respond to a nuclear test at their doorstep.
Following the report, media suggested that China and relevant nations to remain calm and continue to advance the ongoing Six-Party Talks to guarantee the safety of the Northeast Asian region.
Xinhua suggested that "North Korea's defiance was deeply rooted in its strong sense of insecurity after years of confrontation with South Korea, Japan and a militarily superior United States".
"What we need most right now is for all relevant parties to keep calm, exercise restraint and accommodate each other's concerns to properly manage the current crisis", Ruan Zongze, deputy director of China Institute of International Studies told Xinhua.
"In the long run, dialogue and negotiations are the best means to solve the nuclear crisis on the Korean Peninsula", read the article.
A Global Times editorial opined that "China does need to give a stern warning or even punishment to North Korea if it hurts China's interests. But the warning should be one that informs a strategic friend about China's bottom line. China cannot join the camp of the US, South Korea and Japan, by making North Korea China's enemy."
"China will adhere to its pursuit of a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula while maintaining its special relationship with North Korea."
An article on Hong Kong news portal wenweipo.com takes it one step further, suggesting that China "shouldn't hesitate to punish North Korea and gain credibility in the world."
China has grown into a global power and can afford to temporarily cool Sino-North Korean relations, read the article.
However, North Korea should still be allowed to participate to the Six-Party Talks. China must remain impartial and advance negotiations, yet remain firm in not allowing neighboring countries to renew fighting.
An opinion article on opinion.china.com predicts that the UN will pass a series of new sanctions against North Korea, which may receive unprecedented support from China following the nation's third nuclear test.
"However, in order to bargain with all of relevant parties and the UN, North Korea may prepare more satellite launches in the near future. Therefore, it is less likely to reopen the Six-Party Talks in the short term," the article read.
@大爱无彊2012：Chinese should realize that North Korea is a very important player in the strategies of China, US, Russia, Japan and South Korea, all of which are trying to draw North Korea to their side. At the same time, North Korea also wants to improve their relationship with the US in order to reduce its dependence on China. Therefore, a strong and friendly North Korea will do more good than bad for China.
@马鼎盛：At the time, surrounding countries did not take North Korea seriously, and the limited and negative economic blockade imposed by the international community did not successfully inhibit North Korea's nuclear program.