BEIJING, June 22, SPA -- A U.S. Defense Department official isheaded to Beijing for talks amid ongoing tensions in theregion over North Korea's missile and nuclear weaponsprograms. Defense Undersecretary Michele Flournoy will lead the U.S. delegation for the U.S.-China Defense Consultative Talks onTuesday and Wednesday, the U.S. Embassy said, withoutproviding information on the agenda. Flournoy held talks with South Korean officials in Seoulon Friday.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/677147