US DPRK envoy arrives in Beijing, aiming at restarting six-party talks

US envoy for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Stephen Bosworth, is visiting China, South Korea and Japan to discuss the stalemate in talks to end the DPRK's nuclear program. He arrived in Beijing on Wednesday afternoon.

Bosworth will meet China's special representative on the issue, Wu Dawei, to discuss the six-party talks and other issues of common concern. South Korea's chief nuclear negotiator Wi Sung-lac is also visiting China and held talks with Wu Dawei on Tuesday. Seoul says Wi Sung-lak and Bosworth will meet on Thursday. 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, speeds the shutting down Pyongyang's nuclear program, advances the six-party process, and maintains peace and stability in Northeast Asia.