China and the United States put pressure on North Korea today to return to talks on ending its nuclear arms programme.
They also called for full implementation of UN sanctions imposed on North Korea after its October 9th atomic test
Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, speaking at a news conference in Beijing with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, appealed for calm and a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
Ms Rice's crisis trip to east Asia has been overshadowed by speculation that communist North Korea might be about to detonate a second nuclear device.
"We hope all relevant parties can maintain cool-headedness, adopt a prudent and responsible attitude and stick to the general direction of a peaceful resolution through dialogue," Mr Li said.
"We are willing to strengthen consultations and co-operation with all parties to break the stalemate and restart the six-party talks as soon as possible," he added.
The six-party talks - which bring together the two Koreas, the United States, Japan, Russia and host China, stalled last November after Washington imposed restrictions on Pyongyang's external financing.
Ms Rice told the news conference after talks with Mr Li that North Korea's nuclear test was "a serious provocation" that posed a threat to peace and security, particularly in east Asia.
"We talked about the importance of the full implementation of [UN resolution] 1718 so we can make certain there is not a transit and trade in illegal materials, dangerous illegal materials, concerning the nuclear programme of the DPRK," she said.