China on Korean Peninsula nuclear issue

A Chinese senior official says he believes a window has opened for further talks over the Korean Peninsula nuclear issues after US and Chinese military chiefs met this week.

The Chinese Minister of National Defense Chang Wanquan met with his U.S. counterpart, Chuck Hagel, at the Pentagon on Monday.

After Chinese Minister of National Defense Chang Wanquan's visit to the United States, Guan Youfei, director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Ministry of National Defense of China revealed the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue was one of the topics discussed by the two ministers.

There are signs of tension easing in the Peninsula, and leaders of the DPRK have voiced willingness to conduct multilateral talks without additional conditions.

Chinese leaders have now urged the U.S. to show flexibility and not to miss the opportunity for further discussion.

SOUNDBITE (CHINESE) GUAN YOUFEI, China's Ministry of National Defense spokesman:

"The Chinese side has urged the U.S. side to show flexibility and engage with the DPRK, and not miss this opportunity.The Chinese side believes the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue can only be pushed toward the direction of resolution with active negotiation and engagement, pressure and sanctions will not resolve the problem."

According to the spokesman, the U.S. has voiced its willingness to work with the Chinese to obtain a more swift resolution of the issue.

Chinese Minister of National Defense Chang Wanquan met his U.S. counterpart, Chuck Hagel, at the Pentagon on Monday.

Both sides announced a package of high-profile exchange plans.

And for the first time, China's navy was invited to participate in the RIM of the Pacific Exercise.