US Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick is expected to visit China next week amid continuing international concerns over the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and disputed nuclear programmes in Iran.

During his three-day visit starting Monday, Zoellick will meet Chinese officials to exchange views on China-US relations and on major international issues, Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said at a regular news briefing yesterday.

"I look forward to a good exchange of views in Beijing on security and proliferation issues particularly in Northeast Asia and Iran, among other topics," Zoellick was quoted by AFP as saying.

Another point of discussion is preparations for the third China-US strategic dialogue, which both sides have agreed to hold in the first half of this year, Kong said.

Both China and the US are important stakeholders in the international community and it will benefit both sides to listen to each other's views, Zoellick was quoted by China News Service as saying, adding maintaining contacts with China is very important.

Six-Party Talks

There was a flurry of diplomatic activity in Beijing this week as China, the host of the Six-Party Talks on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, has been prompting concerned parties US, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Republic of Korea (ROK), Russia and Japan to return to the negotiation table as soon as possible.

A meeting between US envoy Christopher Hill and DPRK's negotiator Kim Kye-gwan was held in Beijing on Wednesday following a proposal by China. Chinese negotiator Wu Dawei also joined the meeting.

"The meeting showed a positive attitude toward the resumption of the Six-Party Talks," Kong said.

The talks had been at the top of the agenda during a recent visit by DPRK leader Kim Jong-il to China.

"During his meeting with President Hu Jintao, both leaders said the talks were the best way to make the Korean Peninsula nuclear-free and said they were prepared to continue them," Kong said.

Taiwan question

Responding to a question concerning the relations between Libya and Taiwan, Kong said China appreciates the Libyan Government's adherence to the one-China policy.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing is visiting Libya and has held talks with Libyan top leader Moammar Khadafy.

Khadafy stated clearly that Libya will unswervingly stick to the one-China principle whatever happens and his country firmly opposes "Taiwan independence", and supports China's reunification cause.

Khadafy's remarks came after Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian said he is set to visit Libya to cultivate bilateral ties.

Source: China Daily