Analysts noted that the shuttle diplomacy to revive the nuclear talks were remarkable, showing that all sides involved were keeping up efforts for progress.

A senior Chinese official visited North Korea last month and met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, and both reaffirmed willingness to push forward the full implementation of agreements.

Top US nuclear negotiator Christopher Hill also visited Beijing last week, during which he had "a good substantial discussion" with his North Korean counterpart Kim Kye Gwan on details about North Korea's full declaration of its nuclear programs.

Meanwhile, officials from China, North Korea and South Korea met in Beijing to discuss economic and energy assistance within the framework of the six-party talks.

On the same day as Rice's visit to China, the New York Philharmonic will give an unprecedented concert in North Korean capital of Pyongyang, the first by a US symphony orchestra in the country.

"All of these efforts could be seen as positive signals for North Korea and the United States to show their willingness to maintain and develop relations with each other," Fu said.

The analyst also called on all sides to invest further effort, time and patience, saying the denuclearization process would be a long way off.

"China, as the host of the talks, plays an irreplaceable and constructive role in handling and coordinating the attitudes, positions and disputes between North Korea and the United States," Fu added.

Rice's Asia tour will bring her to Seoul, Beijing and Tokyo from February 25 to 27. However, she ruled out the possibility of a sideline visit to North Korea.

"China and the United States will exchange views during Rice's visit on bilateral relations and the significant regional and international issues of common concern," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao.

(Xinhua News Agency February 26, 2008)