The US Congress has called on China to use its influence to rein in North Korea as lawmakers vowed to support South Korea following deadly shelling from its communist neighbor.

In a resolution approved unanimously in a late-night session Thursday, the Senate said that North Korea's November 23 artillery attack served to "undermine regional peace and security, especially on the Korean peninsula."

"The Senate calls on the international community, especially North Korea's ally, China, to condemn this attack and enjoin the government of North Korea to halt all nuclear activities," it said.

The resolution, sponsored by Senator Jim Webb, a Democrat from Virginia, also "reaffirms the commitment of the United States to its alliance" with South Korea, where some 28,500 US troops are stationed.

The House of Representatives approved a similar resolution on Wednesday, which also called on China to "restrain North Korea" and to "work constructively with the international community to promote regional stability."

The House resolution was approved almost unanimously. Two lawmakers -- Ron Paul, a Republican from Texas, and Steve Kagen, a Democrat from Wisconsin -- voted against it.

President Barack Obama's administration has also called for China -- considered the only country with real influence in North Korea -- to work to reduce soaring tensions on the Korean peninsula.

The administration rejected China's call for six-nation negotiations with the North. Instead, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will meet Monday with the foreign ministers of South Korea and Japan.

North Korea on November 23 shelled a border island, killing two civilians and two marines, in its first attack on a civilian area in South Korea since the 1950-53 Korean War.