Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan on Friday said China will
constantly maintain its efforts and close contact with all parties
involved in preserving peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula
to realize denuclearization there and push forward the six-party
talks.
"China is deeply concerned over the current situation," Tang
told US Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill during a
one-hour meeting in Beijing.
China strived to preserve peace and stability on the Korean
Peninsula, and to push forward the six-party talks on the nuclear
issue, Tang said.
Hill said the US administration attached importance to the
six-party talks and was willing to settle problems via diplomatic
efforts.
The talks involve China, South and North Korea, the US, Russia
and Japan.
Hill, who is also chief US negotiator in the six-party talks,
arrived here Friday morning after Wednesday's test-firing of
missiles by North Korea.
Before meeting with Tang, Hill held talks with Chinese Vice
Foreign Minister Wu Dawei and also met with Foreign Minister Li
Zhaoxing.
Hill will conclude his brief stay in Beijing Friday afternoon
and is expected to continue to South Korea and Japan.
Kenichiro Sasae, Japan's chief negotiator to the six-party
talks, is also in Beijing and is expected to meet with Wu Dawei
Friday afternoon.
According to early reports, Wu, China's top negotiator to the
six-party talks, will accompany Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu on
a visit to North Korea next week.
(Xinhua News Agency July 7, 2006)
