US Assistant Secretary of State Stephen Biegun met Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Yue Yucheng in Beijing today to discuss the issue of North Korea.

The two officials "exchanged views on the situation in Korea and the denuclearization of the peninsula in stages. China called on the United States and North Korea to continue dialogue and meeting with each other," the Foreign Ministry spokesman said. China Geng Shuang spoke at a press conference in Beijing today, but did not elaborate on the content discussed.

The meeting came after North Korea twice held an "important test" on December 7 and 13 at Sohae satellite launch site after a warning about "Christmas gifts" to the US. Experts say North Korea may have tried new rocket engines and nuclear warheads to prepare for a long-range missile launch.

It is unclear whether the Deputy Secretary or US envoy to North Korea will meet North Korean officials in Beijing. During his visit to Korea and Japan, Biegun said the recent North Korean comments were "too hostile, negative and unnecessary", but still called for cooperation to resolve disagreements and leave open the possibility of nesting. hold new negotiations. North Korea has not responded to Biegun's call.

China and Russia on December 16 submitted to the United Nations Security Council a draft proposal to lift the ban on exports of energy, seafood and textiles to North Korea. The draft also requires lifting the ban on Korean workers abroad. Moscow said the draft was intended to facilitate talks between Washington and Pyongyang.

But the State Department official said it was not the Security Council's time to consider lifting sanctions because North Korea is threatening provocative acts, denying denuclearization and continuing to develop. weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles.