The newly-appointed US nuclear negotiator on the DPRK's nuclear issue, Stephen Bosworth, has arrived in Beijing. He's here to meet with Chinese officials in the hope of pushing forward the stalled six-party talks.

Stephen Bosworth [File photo]

Beijing is Bosworth's first stop on his visit to the region since he was nominated last month. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Qin Gang says Bosworth will meet Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei during his stay.

Bosworth is the former US ambassador to South Korea. He will visit Tokyo and Seoul later in the week. The six-party talks broke down last year over an energy-for-disarmament deal. The DPRK has refused to allow nuclear material to be taken abroad for tests. Qin Gang says despite the difficulties, the parties concerned still hope to kick start the talks.

Qin Gang, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman, said, "At present, there are some new and complicated circumstances in the six party talks process. We hope these difficulties will be temporary. We hope all six parties are still focusing on the bigger picture, namely the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula and the peace and stability of east Asia. We hope they can enhance communication and cooperation and fulfill their promises to each other."

(CCTV March 5, 2009)