US DPRK envoy to visit China

US envoy for the DPRK, Stephen Bosworth, is visiting China, South Korea and Japan to discuss the stalemate in talks to end the DPRK's nuclear program. He's expected to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday, but will not visit the DPRK on this trip.

Bosworth will meet with China's special representative on the matter, Wu Dawei, to discuss the six-party talks and other issues of common concern. China's Foreign Ministry says the country has long supported contact between the US and the DPRK within the framework of the six-party talks.

Spokesman, Qin Gang, says direct contact improves trust and bilateral ties for the six countries involved, quickens the pace of shutting down Pyongyang's nuclear program, advances the six-party process, and maintains peace and stability in Northeast Asia.