China says to push for six-party talks

BEIJING, July 6 (Reuters) China said today it would continue to press for a restart of six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear programme, in the wake of missile tests by Pygongyang which sparked an international outcry.

''China will continue efforts to promote the six-party talks and strive for the peace and stability of the Korean peninsula,'' Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu told a regular news conference.

''We hope tensions can be reduced through diplomatic efforts.'' North Korea launched at least six missiles on Wednesday, including a long-range Taepodong-2, a move U.S. President George W Bush said defied the international community.

REUTERS SK BST1248