A senior Chinese official on Friday said China will constantly maintain its efforts and close contact with all parties involved in preserving peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula to realize denuclearization there and push forward the six-party talks.

"China is deeply concerned over the current situation," State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan told US Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill during a one-hour meeting in Beijing.

Sources said they mainly exchanged views on the six-party talks on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and the situation on the Peninsula.

China strived to preserve peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and to push forward the six-party talks on the nuclear issue, Tang said.

Hill said the US administration attached importance to the six-party talks and was willing to settle problems via diplomatic efforts.

The talks involves China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), the United States, Republic of Korea (ROK), Russia and Japan.

Hill arrived in Beijing early Friday morning after Wednesday's test-firing of missiles by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Before meeting with Tang, Hill held talks with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei and also met with Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

Hill will conclude his brief stay in Beijing on Friday afternoon and leave for Seoul, the second leg of his Asia trip, according to sources with the US embassy in Beijing.

Kenichiro Sasae, Japan's chief negotiator to the six-party talks, is also in Beijing and will meet with Wu Dawei on Friday afternoon.

According to early reports, Wu, China's top negotiator to the six-party talks, will accompany Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu for a visit to the DPRK next week.