The six-party talks are facing both the opportunity of moving forward and difficulties that need to be jointly handled by all parties involved, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.

"We hope that relevant parties maintain patience, display wisdom and flexibility, and move towards the same direction to solve the relevant problems," said ministry spokesman Qin Gang at a regular press conference.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) announced on Tuesday it had stopped disabling its nuclear facilities in Yongbyon.

Qin said all parties had been maintaining close contact and consultation on issues including verification of the DPRK's nuclear program and economic aid to the DPRK so as to implement the second-phase action in a comprehensive and balanced way.

"The work is still going on."

He added China, as chair of the talks, would continue to play a constructive role in achieving the goal in the six-party talks process.

(Xinhua News Agency August 29, 2008)