Tensions on the pided Korean peninsula have risen dramatically since international investigators said last week that North Korea was responsible for a torpedo attack on a South Korean warship in March that killed 46 sailors.

Relations are now at their lowest point in a decade. South Korea, backed by the U.S., Japan and other allies, began implementing a package of punitive measures earlier this week - ranging from slashing trade, resuming propaganda warfare and barring the North's cargo ships. Those were seen as among the strongest it could implement short of military action. Washington has promised ''unequivoca'' military support for South Korea.

North Korea meanwhile has vowed to retaliate. It has threatened all out war, cut relations with South Korea and has barred South Korean ships and airliners from passing through its territory.

China, North Korea's main ally, has so far tried to remain neutral, calling on both sides to ''exercise restraint.'' Whether or not the two sides hold off, or launch into a cross-border war is a question that's on a lot of people's minds at the moment. And it's one that's being debated online here. Let's cross to the newsroom now where our researcher Emma Wang has been gauging reaction.

US secretary of State Hillary Clinton is currently in Beijing heading a 200-strong delegation to discuss a range of both strategic and economic issues with Chinese officials, particularly the value of the Chinese currency, the RMB, compared to the dollar and disagreements over tariffs and market access.

But the talks have been overshadowed by events on and off the Korean peninsula. Following the results of an a international investigation into the sinking of a South Korean, which claims Nor Korea was responsible, Clinton has had strong words for Pyongyang

And the fact that she travels to the South Korean capital Seolu from Beijing have added urgency to her efforts to garner some support from the Chinese Government, which is seen as the country which holds most sway over North Korea.

But while heads of government and their officials at various levels negotiate and posture, what would ordinary Chinese people like to ask the US secretary of State if they had the chance? Well that's what we asked on the streets of Beijing this week. Here's what they had to say in today's Straight from the Street