Hill in China for nuclear talks

US nuclear envoy Christopher Hill says he has had good discussions with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei on the resumption of six-party talks.

Their meeting also centered on how to complete the second phase action plan, which required the DPRK to provide a complete and correct declaration of all its nuclear programs by the end of 2007. Hill's visit to Beijing on Thursday follows a missed deadline by the DPRK.

Just ten days into the new year and nuclear negotiators are already getting busy. Hill called for patience and perseverance, but wants to push things forward.

The United States wants the DPRK to submit a complete and correct inventory of its nuclear programs as well as disabling nuclear facilities. The DPRK agreed to do that in October. But Pyongyang insists it must receive more energy aid first and the United States must remove it from a terrorism list.

Despite the delay, China has expressed confidence in the progress of the nuclear talks. The Foreign Ministry is calling for joint efforts from all parties concerned.

Chinese FM spokeswoman Jiang Yu said, "The second phase of action is making steady progress. All parties showed political willingness to fulfill their duties along the process. There have also been negotiations. And we hope all parties can work together to achieved the agreed goals."

Hill's tour does not include the DPRK. He will leave for Moscow on Friday.

Deadlines have come and gone in the past. While the denuclearization blueprint is already in place, a clear timetable is yet to be set. How much progress can be made will depend on the political will and concrete actions of all parties involved.