Cautious optimism greeted Tuesday's announcement of a new round of six-party talks on the Korean Peninsula nuclear standoff. 

Set to open on February 25 in Beijing, the negotiations will involve the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the Republic of Korea, the United States, China, Japan and Russia.

The willingness of all six nations to return to the negotiation table is testimony to their strong commitment to pursue the peaceful path mapped out in the first round of talks six months ago.

While the initial talks marked a good beginning towards breaking the impasse, the upcoming meeting indicates a peaceful resolution may be at hand.

Sharing a common border with the peninsula, China has always maintained the area in question should be free of nuclear weapons to ensure peace and stability. To that end the country has taken a leading role in brokering the negotiations ever since the nuclear standoff surfaced 15 months ago.

China has a long-cherished policy of pursuing diplomatic efforts for a peaceful solution of the crisis. However, it also recognizes the nuclear issue is very complex and will require more than one or two rounds of talks before it can be resolved to the satisfaction of all stakesholders.

Still, the mere fact all six parties have agreed to meet again is an encouraging sign.

They have all demonstrated an open attitude and a willingness to discuss any relevant questions raised during the talks. This is certainly conducive to each side fully presenting its own view while understanding the concerns of others.

Nevertheless, it should be clearly understood that while putting forth proposals of their own, all parties should make a renewed commitment to consider contrary points of view. This will help avoid the senseless rehashing of the same old arguments, while fostering real dialogue that could translate into a final consensus.

Furthermore, while mutually concerned with general interest and regional peace and security, all parties have indicated a willingness to compromise on individual interests.

These are all good signs the initiative will end with the peaceful resolution of a very complex and volatile issue.

(China Daily February 6, 2004)