The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) conducted live artillery shelling into the contested Northern Line Limit (NLL) with rival Republic of Korea (South Korea) early Monday morning.

South Korean military responded back with its own live artillery fire after it claimed that North Korea live shells fell far south of the NLL, well within South Korean territorial waters. The artillery shelling is within the waters of the Western sea border of the Korean peninsula.

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The North Korean side initially faxed to South Korea an advisory that Pyongyang will conduct live test firing. Hundreds of shells fell within the side of the North Korean line but hundreds also fell into the South Korean territorial waters.

Seoul responded back using its K-9 self-propelled howitzers and the deployment of F-15K fighters into the region.

CHINA'S DEEP CONCERN

The People's Republic of China issued its concerns on the volatile situation in its neighboring Korean peninsula.

Chinese Foreign Affairs spokesman Hong Lei appealed to Seoul and Pyongyang to carefully consider their actions during a daily briefing.

"The current situation on the peninsula is quite vulnerable, and safeguarding peace and stability conforms with the common interests of all relevant parties," Hong said.

Hong added that the two Koreas should refrain from activities contrary to peace and stability. He also added that both countries should practice restraint and keep a level of calm.

From China's standpoint, Beijing is aiming for a de-nuclearization of the Korean peninsula, to resolve issues through dialogues and ensure the lasting peace in the region.

PYONGYANG'S BELLIGERENCE

Pyongyang issued a warning of its intent to conduct live artillery "drills," prompting Seoul to evacuate residents in nearby villages. North Korea's alert included a ban on seacrafts from traveling near the NLL where it will engage in a live shooting exercise using its rocket-propelled artillery.

Tensions in the region started to mount last week when North Korea test-fired two ballistic missiles, believed to be Rodong-class from mobile launchers in its southeastern regions.

The two missiles landed well within the Sea of Japan, within the Japanese air defense identification zone. The Rodong-class missiles can carry nuclear warheads and travel up to 1,300 kilometers.

The United Nation's Security Council condemned Pyongyang's action during a meeting last Friday resulting in Pyongyang lashing back with a threat to conduct another round of nuclear testing.

North Korea has conducted three nuclear tests since 2006. The nuclear tests occurred immediately after they test-fired Rodong-class missiles. The United Nations Security Council has condemned North Korea's nuclear testing under U.N. Security Council Resolution 1874.

Analysts believe that North Korea is "sabre rattling" again as a form of protest to the on-going annual war games in the peninsula between the United States and South Korea. Pyongyang dubbed these annual war games as a prelude to a northward invasion.