The U.S. State Department says it hopes a possible trip to China by North Korean leader Kim Jong-il can lead to the North's return to the six-party nuclear talks.

In a daily news briefing, State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said Monday that he hoped Kim would announce positive steps for the six-way talks' resumption and denuclearization once he arrives in Beijing. He also wished Kim “safe travels.”

Crowley was responding to reports citing diplomatic sources in Beijing that Kim might visit China on March 29th.

Regarding the North's report to refer to trial an American the communist state detained in late January, Crowley said Washington has great concern about the lack of transparency in North Korea's judicial system and that it will continue to press for full consular access.