China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged the US to remain "cool-headed" over North Korean tensions.

Axar.az reports that the situation was at a "crossroads", but must not be allowed to develop into a conflict, he said after hosting US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

Mr Tillerson spoke of "dangerous levels" of tension, a day after suggesting the US might launch a pre-emptive strike against North Korea. North Korea is working to develop nuclear missiles that can reach the US.

Last week, it launched four ballistic missiles - defying United Nations resolutions. Mr Tillerson is in Beijing in the final leg of his East Asia tour, which has been dominated by anxieties over North Korea.

In South Korea on Friday, he said a US military response would be on the table if North Korea threatened South Korea or US forces.