U.S. officials say the Obama administration and its Asian allies have agreed that direct U.S.-North Korea talks may be the best way to bring the North back to the six-party nuclear talks.

They also suggested China’s groundwork may be necessary before Washington sends special envoy Stephen Bosworth to Pyongyang.

U.S. State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said the bilateral talks should focus on how to bring the North back to the six-party dialogue, and the remaining six party members have generally agreed on the proposed Washington-Pyongyang meeting.

Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said the United States expects China to take a clear stance on the issue, and see that North Korea resumes interactions within the six-party framework.