DPRK leader Kim Jong-il told Wen in Pyongyang earlier this month that his government might return to the stalled six-nation negotiations depending on the outcome of direct talks with the US.

"But again, we will have to test that, explore that and see if that is indeed the case," Campbell said.

Campbell said the US will not consider direct negotiations with the DPRK without its six-party commitment.

"It is essential to resume the six-party disarmament talks and any bilateral talks could only take place within the framework of the multilateral talks," Campbell said.

He said there is an unprecedented acceptance of basic goals and ambitions for the Six-Party Talks and negotiations with the DPRK among the five parties apart from the DPRK.

"We are now reviewing steps in the near future," he said.

Campbell was in Beijing from Monday to yesterday to exchange views with Chinese officials from ministries including foreign affairs, national defense and commerce, on regional and international issues, with the DPRK issue topping his agenda.