Beijing, Jan 08: China today claimed "new progress" in its mediating efforts to narrow down differences between Washington and Pyongyang in order to hold the second round of the six-party talks on the North Korean nuclear issue. "Preparations for the six-party talks on the Korean nuclear issue have seen new progress," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Kong Quan told reporters here today. China has been in close contact and communication with the concerned parties regarding the preparations for the second round of six-party talks, Kong said at a regular ministry briefing. "We are glad to see that the preparatory works have made constant progress," he said while noting that through the mediating efforts of the Chinese side, differences between the various sides was narrowing. "Now all parties have better understanding of each other's positions. So we believe that the preparations for the second round of the six-party talks are making progress," Kong said. China hosted the first round of the talks in late August last year, which could not make much headway. The talks were attended by the United States, North Korea, South Korea, China, Japan and Russia.
"We hope that the next round of talks could be held as soon as possible. The Chinese side has been working in this regard and making mediating efforts," Kong said.
Bureau Report