(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-02-19 00:14

BEIJING - Top US nuclear negotiator Christopher Hill arrived in Beijing on Monday, aiming to push the denuclearization process of the Korean peninsula.

US Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill smiles to the awaiting media as he arrives at Beijing airport January 18, 2008. Hill, the chief of the US envoy for talks on North Korea's nuclear programme, arrived in Beijing on Monday as a first stop on a northeast Asia tour. [Agencies]

If the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) prepares to give a complete and correct declaration, the United States "can work on timing and sequencing", Hill told reporters after meeting with some Chinese officials.

"I'm not too concerned about the sequencing of their obligations and our obligations," Hill said. "I think there are ways to deal with the sequencing. I think the real problem is they have not been willing to provide a complete and correct declaration."

As to a potential meeting with any representatives from the DPRK, Hill said nothing has been set up but he wanted to know whether they were interested in planning such a meeting.

Hill said he may meet and discuss with his Chinese counterpart, Wu Dawei, who is not in China, later this month in Japan.

The envoy's visit comes ahead of US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's trip to China, the Republic of Korea and Japan from February 23 to February 28.

Earlier this month, the United States said it was ready to open full diplomatic ties with the DPRK if it completely gives up its nuclear weapons and programs.

The six-party talks held in Beijing last February reached a nuclear deal, where the DPRK agreed to disable its nuclear reactor and declare all nuclear programs and facilities by the end of last year to pave the way for dismantlement. However, the DPRK missed the deadline, although there was reported progress in its nuclear declaration.

The United States has stressed the DPRK would not be taken off the list of "state sponsors of terrorism" until it has made a full declaration of its nuclear activities.