China, Japan to Discuss N.Korea Before 6-Way Talks

TOKYO (Reuters) - China and Japan hope to discuss North Korea's nuclear program before six-way talks on the issue take place on February 25, a Japanese foreign ministry official said Thursday.

The bilateral security talks would be held in Tokyo, possibly as soon as Tuesday, Japan's Kyodo news agency reported.

"It would be desirable to hold the meeting before the six-way talks," the official said, declining to specify a date.

China will be represented by Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who chaired an inconclusive first round of six-nation talks on North Korea last August in Beijing, the official said.

Japan, North and South Korea, Russia, the United States and China are the nations involved in negotiations aimed at halting Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program.