The United States, pushing North Korea to end its nuclear program, has "no intention" of invading the nation or seeking to overthrow its leader, China's vice foreign minister said Friday after six-country talks on the nuclear stalemate.

"The US said that the US had no intention to threaten North Korea, no intention to invade North Korea, no intention to work for regime change in North Korea," Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at a news conference.

Wang also said that all participants agreed on the need for a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula and "to address the wide-ranging security concerns of North Korea."

He added: "The parties agreed not to take any actions that will escalate the situation as long as discussions proceed."

That reference comes a day after the North said it would prove it had nuclear devices by testing one and by formally declaring itself as a nuclear power, according to a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Delegates from six nations -- North Korea, South Korea, the United States, China, Russia and Japan -- concluded three days of talks about Pyongyang's nuclear program earlier Friday.

After China's decision to host the event, the North agreed to the six-way talks that Washington had been insisting upon. Pyongyang had wanted talks to include only itself and Washington.

Wang said he was encouraged by the overall outcome of the meeting.

"The basic stance was positive," he said. "As long as both parties have political will and sincerity, I believe these issues can be resolved. What is important is to maintain this momentum of dialogue that has not come easily."

But, he acknowledged, "The differences between the two sides are comprehensive. North Korea says the United States poses a great threat. The United States has its own views."

The United States demands that North Korea cease its nuclear ambitions immediately. Pyongyang has indicated it could be open to such an action -- but only after the Americans sign a nonaggression treaty and offer aid to the North's impoverished economy.

(China Daily August 29, 2003)