The U.S. is remaining noncommittal in regards to China’s recent proposal for an early resumption of the six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear issue.

State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said that U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton talked with Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo about the North Korea situation.

Crowley added that the U.S. will continue to consult with others, including China, on a future course.

He said that in the mean time, it is critical that the North cease its provocative behavior.