BEIJING, July 7 -- U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill said Friday that he hopes the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) can return to the six-party talks as soon as possible.

"The United States is prepared to implement all the elements in the September agreements", he said while urging the DPRK to take a similar action.

The U.S. chief negotiator to the six-party talks on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue said he discussed with Chinese officials how to advance the multi-national talks, and such a process "is still possible."

During his one-day stay in Beijing, Hill met with Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei and State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan.

The U.S. and Chinese officials achieved a "very good understanding" on the current situation and its importance, said Hill.

The United States hopes "to work together with China to deal with the situation," he added.

Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu will head a Chinese good-will delegation to the DPRK from July 10 to 15. Wu, as China's top negotiator for the nuclear talks, will accompany Hui.

Hill said he hoped the visit by Chinese officials to the DPRK will help solve the problem.

During an hour-long meeting with Tang, Hill said the U.S. administration attaches importance to the six-party talks and is willing to settle problems through diplomatic efforts.

Tang said China is deeply concerned over the current situation and will constantly maintain its efforts and keep close contact with all parties to preserve peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula to realize denuclearization there and push forward the six-party talks.

China is striving to preserve peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and to push forward the six-party talks on the nuclear issue, Tang said.

The talks, which have been through five rounds, involve China, the DPRK, the United States, Republic of Korea (ROK), Russia and Japan. The talks issued a joint statement last September, which includes pledges from all the parties, including the United States and the DPRK.