Expectations are riding on all parties in the upcoming six-way talks on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue to reach new consensus and push for substantial results. 

Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in the Republic of Korea (ROK) capital of Seoul yesterday that conditions are in place to launch substantial negotiations in the new round of talks.

Should we view this as an encouraging sign of more progress on the road to a final resolution of the nuclear standoff?

Following months of intensive shuttle diplomacy, the second round of talks involving China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Japan, the ROK, Russia and the United States is scheduled to open in Beijing on February 25.

Reflecting a spirit of reconciliation and cooperation, the willingness of all parties to return to the negotiation table has itself made a positive impression. It is testimony to their strong commitment to pursue a peaceful resolution of the 16-month crisis on the peninsula, following the first round of talks held here in August 2003.

The easing of the stands of both the United States and the DPRK, the two key players in the crisis, coupled with active international intercession appears to have paved the way for a solution to the impasse.

It is in the interests of all parties involved to try to seize the opportunity and strive for narrowing differences as quickly as possible.

It may be difficult to expect a breakthrough from the new round of talks, but the position of each party will become clearer.

To push for substantial results, it is imperative, in particular, to cultivate a sense of mutual trust between the United States and the DPRK.

China has remained in close contact with the two sides and other parties involved, carried out several rounds of constructive diplomatic mediation since last March between the different countries, and gradually expanded their consensus in order to promote the forum.

The other parties concerned have also maintained close contacts to coordinate their stances.

Attaching great importance to the second round of talks, all parties concerned will hopefully frame the consensus reached in the first round in the form of a joint document.

The parties concerned should also address other parties' concerns while raising their own propositions, and not say anything or take any action that could escalate tensions or aggravate the situation.

It is unrealistic to expect one or two rounds of meetings to solve all the problems, because mutual distrust serves as the biggest impediment.

How to bridge the gap in the basic positions of the two nations is the focus of the negotiations.

A solution lies within reach as long as all parties work together through peaceful negotiations, showing the utmost sincerity and flexibility for cooperation.

With new negotiations kicking off, it is hoped that the diplomatic channels will remain open and accessible, and that eventually a comprehensive security consultation mechanism on the peninsula, and throughout the region, can be established.

(China Daily February 16, 2004)