(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-02-25 22:20

Top US nuclear negotiator Christopher Hill also visited Beijing last week, during which he had "a good substantial discussion" with his DPRK counterpart Kim Kye Gwan on details about the DPRK's full declaration of its nuclear programs.

Meanwhile, officials from China, the DPRK and the Republic of Korea met in Beijing to discuss economic and energy assistance within the framework of the six-party talks.

On the same day as Rice's visit to China, the New York Philharmonic will give an unprecedented concert in the DPRK capital of Pyongyang, the first by a US symphony orchestra in the country.

"All of these efforts could be seen as positive signals for the DPRK and the United States to show their willingness to maintain and develop relations with each other," Fu said.

The analyst also called on all sides to invest further effort, time and patience, saying the denuclearization process would be a long way off.

"China, as the host of the talks, plays an irreplaceable and constructive role in handling and coordinating the attitudes, positions and disputes between the DPRK and the United States," Fu added.

Rice's Asia tour will bring her to Seoul, Beijing and Tokyo from February 25 to 27. However, she ruled out the possibility of a sideline visit to the DPRK.

"China and the United States will exchange views during Rice's visit on bilateral relations and the significant regional and international issues of common concern," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao.

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