China made a last-minute push to re-start talks with North Korea over its nuclear program but Pyongyang remained firm on demanding an end to US sanctions before coming back to the table.

US chief negotiator for North Korean nuclear talks Christopher Hill (L) is greeted by Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Dawei prior to their talks at the Chinese embassy in Tokyo. China made a last-minute push to re-start talks with North Korea over its nuclear program but Pyongyang remained firm on demanding an end to US sanctions before coming back to the table. [AFP]

China has hosted five rounds of six-nation talks since 2003.

China is hoping to use a private conference in Tokyo, the first gathering of the six chief envoys since talks broke down in November.

"China and the United States have always worked together to move the six-party process forward," Chinese envoy Wu Dawei told reporters after talks with his US counterpart Christopher Hill.

"We need to have caution, but maybe you can have some expectations," Wu said without elaborating.

South Korean envoy Chun Young-Woo also said that "various diplomatic efforts are continuing."

"All the countries concerned are working hard to persuade North Korea to return to six-way talks," Chun said.

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