China urges resumption of six-party talks

BEIJING - China on Thursday expressed hope for resumption of the six-party talks at an early date.

At a regular press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, said, "We hope that relevant parties can seize the opportunity and meet each other half way, so as to create conditions for an early resumption of the six-party talks."

Hua's comments came after Kim Kye Gwan, First Vice Foreign Minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), said on Wednesday at the strategic dialogue between foreign ministries of China and the DPRK that the DPRK is ready to join in any form of talks, including the six-party talks.

China, Russia, United States, DPRK, Japan and the Republic of Korea are the six participating states.

The US, Japan and the Republic of Korea on Wednesday called for "meaningful" steps on denuclearization by Pyongyang in exchange for better ties with them.

Hua said as the current signs of easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula have not come about easily, related parties should continue with their contact and dialogue, enhance mutual trust and improve relations, in a bid to resolve issues.

The six-party talks is a mechanism for realizing peace and stability in Northeast Asia and denuclearization of the Peninsula, Hua said.

China is willing to work with relevant parties to continue promoting the six-party talks and implement the spirit of the September 19 Joint Statement in a comprehensive and balanced way, added the spokeswoman.