In related news, President Lee Myung-bak will head to the quake-hit Sichuan province this Friday.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang made the announcement, extending his appreciation for the president's action and the country's support for the rescue and relief operations in China.

"We think his visit conveyed the good wish of South Korean people to the Chinese people, especially those suffered in the disaster. We appreciate it."

Speaking of the North Korean nuclear issue, Qin Gang reiterates the role of the six-party talks in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean peninsula.

"We hope the relevant parties can make joint efforts in pushing forward the six-party talks, which is dedicated to realizing the long-term goals of denuclearization on the Korean peninsula and seeking regional peace and stability."

He said chief negotiators from the two Koreas, the United States, and Japan held a series of bilateral consultations in Beijing this week, but the schedule of the next round of six-party talks was still in discussion.