Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in Beijing Tuesday that the Republic of Korea played "a constructive role" in resolving the Korean nuclear issue by peaceful means and through dialogue.  

Wang, also head of the Chinese delegation for the upcoming six-party talks, was speaking in his pre-talks consultations with Lee Soo-Hyuck, ROK deputy minister of foreign affairs and trade and head of the ROK delegation.

China appreciated the endeavor made by the ROK, Wang said, adding that such consultations were important before the six-party talks, due to open at 9 am on Wednesday.

China hoped the ROK side would continue efforts to resolve the nuclear issue and maintain stability on the peninsula, Wang said.

He urged all sides to show flexibility and sincerity in order to make progress.

Lee told Wang the ROK would expound its stance in the consultations and exchange views with the Chinese side.

Lee said the six sides would work for a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula.

If all sides talked about "only principles, but no method", no progress would be made, he said, noting the ROK would make a detailed proposal at Wednesday's talks.

Before consultations, Lee said the ROK stance was that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) should "abolish its nuclear program".

Lee and the delegation arrived in Beijing Tuesday morning, the last of the six delegations to gather in Beijing. 

(Xinhua News Agency February 25, 2004)