Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing yesterday talked by telephone with US Secretary of State Colin Powell.

Li and Powell discussed bilateral ties, the Iraq situation and post-war construction, and exchanged views on a peaceful solution to the nuclear issue in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) through dialogue.

The two sides agreed that in view of the rapidly-changing international situation, it is important for the two nations to strengthen communication and coordination.

(Xinhua News Agency April 12, 2003)