PYONGYANG, North Korea, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- A Chinese official, who earlier visited the United States and Russia as his president's envoy, is in North Korea, presumably for talks on the nuclear issue.
Japan's Kyodo news agency, quoting Chinese sources, reported State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan's visit comes at a time when speculation is growing that North Korea may be planning a second nuclear test.
The U.N. Security Council has adopted a resolution against the North for diplomatic and economic sanctions as punishment for its first nuclear test.
Although China has opposed North Korea's nuclear tests and supported the U.N. sanctions, it has also said the issue must be resolved ''in a cool-headed manner.''
Earlier, Chinese President Hu Jintao told a visiting delegation of Japanese lawmakers that he regretted that North Korea conducted its nuclear test despite China's warnings against it.
