A Japanese newspaper says that China has delayed signing an economic development agreement with North Korea in light of the North’s apparently unchanged attitude toward denuclearization.

According to the Asahi Shimbun, Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao did not signed the prepared agreement during a visit to Pyongyang earlier this month, as the North has failed to clearly promise its return to six-way nuclear talks, despite China’s strong request.

The agreement would see Chinese companies investing in the development of mines, establishment of factories, power plants, roads and infrastructure in North Korea.

Asahi said that China will be providing 700-thousand tons of corn to North Korea as planned.