Six-Party Talks to Resume Next Wednesday

China announced on Thursday that the fifth round of six-party talks to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue would open on November 9 in Beijing, China announced on Thursday.

However, some participating diplomats may need to travel midway to Busan, South Korea, for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit to be held on November 18 and 19, said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Kong Quan at a regular press briefing. “We think the talks can be conducted in two or more phases, but the final decision will be made after consulting with other parties to the talks.”

The first phase of the fifth round of talks is expected to continue a week at the longest. The fifth round of the six-way talks will be focused on discussing concrete action regarding the abandonment of North Korea’s nuclear programs, and provision of corresponding rewards to the North for the fulfillment of the joint statement adopted at the fourth round of the talks on September 19.

Yoo-Seong Hwang yshwang@donga.com