The US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, is in China for talks expected to focus on the deadlock over North Korea's nuclear programme.
China has hosted previous six-nation talks aimed at resolving the crisis over what North Korea described as its nuclear deterrent.
North Korea has refused to resume negotiations and says US-led international naval exercises due to begin today off the Japanese coast are evidence of the US's hostile intent.
Mr Powell denied the accusation and reiterated the urgent need for North Korea to join the talks on its nuclear programme.
