Beijing, July 25: Global and regional security issues, including the North Korean and Iranian nuclear programme, would figure on the agenda of talks top US non-proliferation official John Bolton would have with Chinese leaders during his visit beginning Monday. The US under secretary for arms control and international security would be visiting China to discuss global and regional security concerns, including North Korea and Iran, the American Embassy said in a press release.

It said that Bolton would also discuss the US-China strategic relationship and strategic stability and non-proliferation issues with the Chinese side.

Bolton's visit assumes significance in the wake of China stepping up its diplomatic efforts to peacefully resolve the North Korean nuclear issue through talks. China recently sent its special envoy, Dai Bingguo to Pyongyang as well as to Russia and the US. There are unconfirmed reports that China and the US are likely to hold talks with North Korea on its nuclear programme in early September, but Pyongyang must agree to immediately include Japan and South Korea for the negotiations to proceed.

Bureau Report