Beijing, July 7 (Xinhua) US Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill held talks Friday with Chinese officials on North Korea's missile tests and nuclear weapons programme.

State Councillor Tang Jiaxuan told Hill: "China is deeply concerned over the current situation.

"China will constantly maintain its efforts and close contact with all parties involved in preserving peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula to realise denuclearisation there and push forward the six-party talks."

Hill said the US administration attached importance to the six-party talks and was willing to settle problems via diplomatic efforts.

The talks, which involve China, North Korea, US, South Korea, Russia and Japan have stalled since September because of Pyongyang's objections to the imposition of financial sanctions by the US.

Hill, who is also the chief US negotiator in the six-party talks, arrived here early Friday morning to discuss North Korea's launch of missiles Wednesday.

Before meeting with Tang, Hill held talks with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei and also met with Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

Hill is later expected to travel to South Korea and Japan.

Wu is also to hold talks with Kenichiro Sasae, Japan's chief negotiator to the six-party talks.

He is scheduled to visit North Korea next week along with Vice Premier Hui Liangyu.