China's envoy on Korea Peninsula affairs, Ning Fukui, is seeking ways to promptly resume the six-party talks on settling North Korea's nuclear issue.

Ning held discussions on the North's nuclear issue with Deputy Unification Minister Rhee Bong-jo, Deputy Foreign Minister Lee Soo-hyuck and Seoul's special envoy on the North Korean nuclear issue, Cho Tae-young, on Wednesday, shortly after his arrival in Seoul.

Ning said there were various reasons behind the stalled six-party talks, stressing that the deadlock is a temporary one. The Chinese envoy also expressed his belief that the talks would resume if both the U.S. and North Korea show "sincerity, flexibility and patience."

He said China placed high importance on its communications with South Korea and sought continued talks with Seoul to find ways to overcome the current impasse.

Ning is scheduled to leave Seoul for Washington on Thursday.