China proposes starting six-nation talks on Nov. 9:report
(AP)
Updated: 2005-11-01 21:28

China has proposed starting six-nation North Korean nuclear talks on November 9 in Beijing, Kyodo News agency reported Tuesday, citing unnamed diplomatic sources in the Chinese capital.

None of the participants have objected to the plan, although they differ over how long the talks should last, Kyodo reported.

China announced earlier in the day it was trying to get its negotiating partners to set a date within the next 10 days for new talks following a personal visit to North Korea by Chinese President Hu Jintao.

The involved countries are still coordinating the next round, a Japanese Foreign Ministry official said on condition of anonymity, citing ministry rules. He would not comment on a proposed date of location.

Beijing also is looking for ways to develop its economic ties with Pyongyang in order to help the isolated country benefit from China's boom, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said in Beijing.

"The Chinese side has suggested dates (for six-nation talks), and is awaiting confirmation," Kong said at a regular news briefing.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Il promised the visiting Chinese president on Friday that Pyongyang will take part in the talks, which are aimed at stripping his Stalinist dictatorship of its nuclear programs.

The talks include South Korea, the United States, Japan and Russia.

Beijing has hosted four rounds of talks over the nuclear dispute, which erupted in late 2002 after U.S. officials said North Korea admitted violating a 1994 deal by embarking on a secret uranium enrichment program.

China is North Korea's last major ally and a key supplier of energy, food, industrial materials and other aid. Other governments say that gives Beijing unique leverage.