The gap between the different sides of the six-party talks on the Korean nuclear issue is being narrowed gradually and common ground is growing although differences still exist, said a member of the Chinese delegation Friday evening.

Liu Jianchao, member of the Chinese delegation and deputy director-general of the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Information Department, said China appreciated the sincere, frank and pragmatic spirit demonstrated at the second round of the six party talks.?

He?added?that China hopes the mechanism of six-party talks will continue and preliminary arrangements for next talks will come out after this round concludes.

"Some other sides have similar ideas," Liu said.

Liu said if relevant sides reach agreement on energy aid to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, China is ready to give its support to the country along with other nations.

China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), the United States, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Russia and Japan began talks Wednesday. The talks would continue Saturday.

(Xinhua News Agency February 27, 2004)