China is North Korea`s sole major ally and key economic benefactor...Seoul (ANTARA News/Yonhap-OANA) - Chinas top negotiator on the North Korean nuclear issue arrived in Pyongyang on Monday, the Norths official news agency reported.
The one-sentence report gave no details of the visit by Wu Dawei, Chinas chief negotiator at long-stalled six-nation talks aimed at ending North Koreas nuclear programme.
The talks grouping the forum host China, the two Koreas, the United States, Japan and Russia have not been held since December 2008.
South Koreas Yonhap news agency said Wus visit appeared to be another attempt by Beijing to restart the dialogue.
Wu visited Washington late last month to meet his US counterpart and other officials dealing with North Korea policy.
China is North Koreas sole major ally and key economic benefactor, but has grown increasingly frustrated with its pursuit of a nuclear deterrent.
Following Pyongyangs third nuclear test in February, Beijing agreed to a tightening of UN sanctions already in force.
The North has expressed interest in principle in returning to the six-party talks, but has repeatedly said it has no intention of abandoning its atomic weapons programme.
South Koreas spy agency confirmed last month that the North has restarted an ageing plutonium-producing reactor that could help boost the programme.
(U.H-AK)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
