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)