North Korea says that it has received support from China on its proposal to freeze its nuclear weapons programs in return for economic and other concessions from the United States.

The North's official news agency, KCNA, quoting a foreign ministry official, said Beijing "recognized the rationality" of Pyongyang's proposal to help end the nuclear dispute.

In Tokyo, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi said North Korea will be sincere about making progress at a second round of six-party talks set for later this month.

Mr. Wang made the comment during talks with Japanese officials in Tokyo Tuesday.

The Chinese diplomat is slated to arrive in Seoul for a three-day visit from Friday for similar talks with South Korean officials.

In Beijing, the Chinese Foreign Ministry cautioned against expecting a swift resolution to the standoff, saying all sides should have "realistic" expectations about the upcoming nuclear talks.

Last month, North Korea proposed to freeze all its nuclear activities, as a first step to resolving the nuclear dispute, if the United States were to provide free oil shipments, lift economic sanctions and remove the Communist country from its list of countries that sponsor terrorism.

The Bush administration insists that North Korea must begin dismantling its nuclear programs before the U.S. makes concessions.