Beijing, March 21, SPA -- The United States will consider otheroptions for ending the dispute over North Korea's nuclearprogram if the North refuses to cooperate in a negotiatedsettlement, U.S Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice saidMonday. At a news conference after meeting with President HuJintao and other Chinese leaders in Beijing, Rice said ifNorth Korea refuses to cooperate, "then of course we'llhave to look at other options." China was the final stop on a weeklong tour of Asiancapitals for Rice. During her visit, Rice said that she discussed North Koreawith Chinese leaders, and the "strong emphasis of theconversation" was on how each government _ "butespecially China" _ could persuade the North to return tonegotiations. Rice said that Beijing _ the closest ally of otherwiseisolated North Korea _ has a special role to play inpersuading Pyongyang to come back to the bargaining table. On another issue of concern to Washington is China'spassage this month of a law declaring its intention to usemilitary force against Taiwan, split from the mainland in1949, should the island declare formal independence. "Clearly the anti-secession law did increase tensions,"Rice said at the news conference after meeting withPresident Hu and other Chinese leaders. Rice said she told Chinese leaders that "the most usefulpath would be to find ways to reduce tensions." Rice also suggested that European governments would beacting irresponsibly if they sold sophisticated weaponry toChina that might one day be used against U.S. forces in thePacific. She said that "is not a wise course" and could worsentensions between China and Taiwan.--SPA1119 Local Time 0819 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/248344