The United States has proposed opening a new round of six-way nuclear talks early next month.

Dennis Wilder, Senior Director for East Asia at the National Security Council, told reporters Friday that China, being the host country of the nuclear talks, is ultimately responsible for setting the schedule.

He said Washington hopes a date for the nuclear talks will be set before U.S. President George W. Bush and Chinese President Hu Jintao meet for summit talks on Sunday during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit.

Asked if he had a date in mind for the new round of talks, Wilder said early December would be ideal.

The statement comes as the Bush administration has vowed to conclude the issue of the North’s nuclear verification before the new U.S. government launches in late January.