Zhu suggests economic development area near truce line

Chinese Prime Minister Zhu Rongji recommended to North Korean Defense Commission Chairman Kim Jong-Il that Pyongyang create an economic development zone near the Koran truce line, Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan said on Wednesday.

Minister Tang made the remarks in a meeting with the visiting Japanese Democratic Party delegation, headed by Yukio Hatoyama.

During the meeting with the North Korean leader, Chinese Prime Minister Zhu stated that the establishment of such an economic development zone near the border would be the best method of easing tension between South and North Korea. Kim reportedly gave a positive response to Zhu's suggestion, Tang added.