Hopes Anew on Korean Nuclear Talks

A recent de-escalation of tensions over North Korea has presented strong opportunities for a resumption of the six-party talks aimed at achieving nuclear disarmament on the Korean Peninsula, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu.

Ma's remarks came at a February 9 press conference as he outlined the results of a previous visit to North Korea by Wang Jiarui, head of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Il reiterated Pyongyang's desire to realize its goal of denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula during his meeting with Wang on February 8, Ma said.

All parties involved--the United States, North Korea, South Korea, China, Japan and Russia--should pursue engagement, while demonstrating flexibility, Ma said.

Beijing, he added, is more than willing to pursue the goals of a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, normalized diplomatic relations between Pyongyang and Washington, and lasting peace in northeast Asia.

Advisory Panel Advocates China-Japan Collaboration

A policy advisory panel has called on China and Japan to work closer with the aim of advancing Asian integration.

The two countries should "view bilateral cooperation in the Asian integration process as one of the priorities in developing Sino-Japanese relations," said Tang Jiaxuan, the Chinese chair of the Fifth 21st Century Committee for China-Japan Friendship.

Tang and other committee members said that both countries should establish a joint financial security network, according to a statement following the first meeting of the committee, held in China from February 7-9.

Tang also urged Beijing and Tokyo to take greater part in the development of the Greater Mekong Sub-region--consisting of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam, and China's Yunnan Province. In addition, Tang recommended greater cooperation between Beijing and Tokyo to initiate an infrastructure network to link different parts of Asia.

Committee members also called on China, Japan and South Korea to speed up their research on the establishment of a trilateral free trade area.

Meanwhile, they underlined the importance of China-Japan collaboration in energy, environmental protection and low-carbon technologies.