return to nuclear talks Beijing, March 22, SPA -- North Korea's premier on Tuesday began avisit to China amid U.S. urging for Beijing to use itsinfluence to prod the North back into nuclear talks _ andAmerican hints of possible sanctions if Pyongyang doesn'tcooperate. Chinese officials say they will discuss the nuclearstandoff with Premier Pak Pong Ju. A Foreign Ministryspokesman appealed to participants in the six-nation talksto "support the process," but didn't give any details ofwhat Chinese leaders will tell Pak. "The six-party talks are the best and most realisticvehicle to peacefully resolve this issue throughdialogue," said spokesman Liu Jianchao. Beijing also apparently plans to use the visit to lobbythe North to speed up tentative Chinese-style reforms inits decrepit, centrally planned economy. At his first stop, Pak took a 20-minute tour of a NokiaCorp. mobile phone factory. He signed a guest book offering"wishes of prosperity for the communications industry." Pak met with Premier Wen Jiabao at the Great Hall of thePeople, where he also signed bilateral agreements oninvestment and environmental protection, state televisionsaid. Pak was also scheduled to meet President Hu Jintao andother Chinese officials. His trip includes a stop inShanghai, the country's financial capital. Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said this month thatthe North expressed willingness to return to talks. But hedidn't say whether leader Kim Jong Il's government hadattached any conditions.--more1506 Local Time 1206 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/249031