Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso has urged North Korea to return to the six-way nuclear talks.

Aso told reporters Tuesday that it is imperative for the North to earnestly heed to the calls of the international community, adding that Pyongyang should reconsider its decision to boycott the six-way nuclear talks.

Asked if Japan plans on having China, the host of the nuclear talks, persuade the North to return to the negotiating table, Aso said he believes China will pursue such efforts as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council.