China and the United States on Thursday said negotiations remained the best solution to resolving the issue of the war-torn Darfur region of Sudan.

"China agrees to take an all-round and balanced approach to bring about peace and stability in Darfur," Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan told the visiting US President's special envoy to Sudan Andrew Natsios.

In an hour-long meeting with Natsios in Beijing, Tang said China has always paid close attention to the Darfur issue and does not wish to see any conflict or war there.

"We actively back the international community's efforts to help the people in Darfur restore peace under the framework of the United Nations," Tang said.

Echoing Tang's remarks, Natsios said negotiations were the best way to politically resolve the Darfur issue.

Natsios's China visit came after Sudanese government Antonov aircraft bombed two villages in war-torn Darfur on Dec. 29, 2006.

Calling his four-day China visit "productive," Natsios said the United States would like to work with parties concerned to seek a solution to the Darfur issue.

"Your government is very helpful," Natsios told Tang. "I am very pleased with the consultations."

Natsios said the United States would like to maintain communication and cooperation with China on the Darfur issue.

Several Chinese Foreign Ministry officials also held separate talks with Natsios in Beijing.

(Xinhua News Agency January 12, 2007)