Chinese analysts said yesterday that the chances of the Six-Party Talks resuming soon are slim, and the denuclearization process on the Korean Peninsula will remain in limbo now that Pyongyang has withdrawn from the disarmament talks.

"There may be no such thing as the 'next step' for the disarmament talks," said Professor Piao Jianyi, chief of the Center of Korean Peninsula Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS).

He suggested that Washington come up with new strategies in dealing with the DPRK.

"The Obama administration needs new ideas," he said, adding that Pyongyang may reactivate its nuclear facilities in three to six months.

Fan Jishe, a senior researcher on US studies at the CASS, said he expects the denuclearization process will be deadlocked in the coming months.

"Given the opposition from hardliners on Capitol Hill, Obama may avoid taking quick action to ease the tensions on the Korean Peninsula," he said.

Zhai Dequan, deputy director of the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association, said Pyongyang's latest move bodes ill for the international community's efforts to make the Korean Peninsula nuclear-free.

He called for restraint and patience from all parties.

"Irrational moves will bring no progress. Patience is all we need at this point," Zhai said.

Shi Yinhong, a professor of international relations at Renmin University of China, expressed doubts over the effect of any UN sanctions on Pyongyang.

"Sanctions won't have a big effect, they won't change their actions," he said.

"Sanctions may have some influence on luxury goods, but only a weak effect on overall trade volume."  

(Reuters via China Daily March April 15, 2009)