Beijing, Apr 8 (IANS/RIA Novosti): Beijing has asked Pyongyang to ensure safety of its diplomats amid rising tension on the Korean peninsula, the Chinese foreign ministry said Sunday.

"Tensions on the Korean peninsula are unceasingly rising at present and China expresses its grave concern over this."

North Korea reportedly moved two missiles capable of striking the US Pacific territory of Guam onto mobile launch pads Friday and advised foreign embassies to consider pulling staff out of Pyongyang.

Tensions began to rise on the Korean Peninsula after international sanctions were imposed on North Korea in response to a long-range rocket launch in December, which world powers condemned as a ballistic missile test.

North Korea responded by carrying out a third nuclear test in February, which was followed by more sanctions.

North Korea has threatened pre-emptive nuclear strikes against the US mainland and US military bases in the region.