Chinese and North Korean officials have expressed hope that upcoming six-party talks will help show the way for a peaceful solution to the Korean nuclear crisis. The two sides discussed the planned talks, expected soon in Beijing, during a visit to Pyongyang by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Xinhua news agency reported from the North Korean capital. âThe two sides expressed the hope that the forthcoming six-party nuclear talks to be held in Beijing would unveil prospects for a peaceful settlement of the nuclear issue through dialogue,â Xinhua said.
| "We don't really want to see you nutbags disappear in a mushroom cloud. Some of it might drift over here..." |
Wang, who is considered a candidate for Beijingâs chief delegate to the talks, arrived in North Korea Thursday for a three-day visit. He met Thursday with Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Yong Il, and First Vice Foreign Minister Kang Sok Ju on Friday, engaging in âcomprehensive and in-depthâ discussions on the nuclear issue. The two countries also exchanged views on their âtraditional and friendlyâ relations. China, North Koreaâs only closest ally, has been an active mediator in the confrontation between Washington and Pyongyang. It arranged the first round of three-way talks in April involving the United States, Chinese and North Korean officials. Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing will visit Japan and South Korea next week. |