Russia and China said only diplomacy could halt the DPRK's nuclear and rocket development programmes.

U.S. negotiator Christopher Hill (L) shakes hands with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei in Beijing July 7, 2006. Hill arrived in Beijing early Friday for a day of discussions with Chinese leaders on North Korea's missile launches. [Reuters]

Japan circulated a Security Council resolution that would ban any country from transferring funds, material and technology that could be used in the DPRK's missile programme.

Hu said China is "deeply concerned" over the situation.

"Under such a complicated situation, it is highly necessary for all the related parties to keep calm and show restraint," he said, adding that China is willing to continue negotiations with related parties on this issue.

It is of vital importance for the realization of a nuclear-weapon-free Korean Peninsula and the maintenance of peace and stability on the peninsula to fully implement the joint statement adopted during the fourth round of Six-Party Talks last September, Hu said.

He hoped all sides would create conditions for the resumption of the talks at an early date.

Bush said the United States appreciated China's efforts to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

US Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill will visit China today to discuss the missile issue, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu told a news briefing.

Vice-Foreign Minister Wu Dawei and Hill will exchange views on how to promote the Six-Party Talks under current situation, Jiang said.

"Facts prove that dialogue and consultation are effective ways to solve problems," said Jiang, noting that China would strive to ease tension through diplomacy.

Now, as Christopher Hill returns to the region and another round of regional diplomacy unfolds, the United States is pinning hope on China to keep DPRK from test firing more of its missiles believed sitting on the launch pads.

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