The United States says its current row with China over arms deals with Taiwan will not affect the North Korean nuclear issue.

In a Thursday briefing, Assistant Secretary of State Philip Crowley said he does not believe that tensions with China over Washington’s arms deals with Taiwan will negatively impact the six-party nuclear process.

Crowley said North Korea is a significant area of mutual interest between the U.S. and China.

He said he expects China, as the chair of the six-way talks, will continue to play a significant leadership role in matters related to North Korea, adding that the U.S. sees eye to eye with China in regards to concerns about North Korea.