The Chinese envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stressed on Wednesday the need for an early resumption of the six-party talks.

The six-party talks is an effective mechanism to advance the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and maintain regional peace, said Cheng Jingye, China's permanent representative and ambassador to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna.

The six-party talks also serves as an important platform to improve relations through dialogue, therefore, an early resumption of the talks is in the interests of all parties, Cheng said.

He told an IAEA board meeting that China maintains its consistent position on solving the nuclear issue on the Peninsular through dialogue and consultations.

Noting that parties concerned have started active engagement and dialogue in recent days, which is welcomed by China, Cheng pointed out that the consultations have opened a "new window of opportunity" for the resumption of the six-party talks.

Top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Il said last month that the DPRK is ready to resume the six-party talks without preconditions.

Launched in 2003, the six-party talks on the denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula involved China, the DPRK, the United States, the Republic of Korea, Japan and Russia.