Beijing, July 16: A day after a Chinese special envoy visited North Korea to discuss the nuclear issue, Chinese foreign minister Li Zhaoxing and US Secretary of State Colin Powell today discussed the sensitive issue, the state media reported. Li and Powell exchanged views on the nuclear issue of North Korea during phone talks held this morning, Xinhua News Agency reported. No details were provided. However, diplomatic sources said that Li briefed Powell on Dai's visit to Pyongyang and the possibility of a second round of 'Beijing talks' between the US, North Korea and China on the North Korean nuclear issue.
"The two sides agreed to keep contact and exert efforts to further Sino-US constructive and cooperative relationship," the two paragraph report said.


Chinese executive vice foreign minister Dai Bingguo returned from Pyongyang yesterday after meeting with North Korea's top leadership.


Commenting on Dai's previously unannounced visit to North Korea, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said that the trip was "important and beneficial."
Kong told a regular press conference that Dai visited Pyongyang from July 12 to 15. During his visit, Dai met top North Korean leaders and they exchanged views on bilateral relations and international issues of common concern.

Bureau Report