Joseph DeTrani, Washington's special envoy for negotiations with North Korea, said that because the six-party nuclear disarmament talks are at a critical juncture, it is more important than ever for China to take advantage of its leverage to persuade Pyongyang to return to the negotiating table.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Peter Rodman also said that China, possessing the strongest leverage with North Korea, can and should persuade Pyongyang to return to the six-party talks. Rodman added that China should be largely responsible for Pyongyang's significant concessions in making a nuclear-free Korean peninsula.

DeTrani and Rodman made these remarks at a hearing on China's role in nuclear non-proliferation held at the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Committee (UCESRC).

Regarding the conditions for Pyongyang's return to the six-part talks, Assistant Secretary of Defense Rodman said Washington "will not negotiate" the conditions for resumption.

Echoing Rodman's remark, special envoy DeTrani also said the United States will take responsibility for North Korea's disregard of its international duties. He made it clear Washington will not even consider negotiating the conditions for Pyongyang's return to the six-party talks brought up at the second round of talks with North Korea in New York at the end of last year.