The Chinese foreign ministry's remark came after the United States suggested that it wanted the six-party talks to be expanded to cover missiles, conventional forces and human rights.

"The six-party talks provide a framework for the peaceful solution of the nuclear issue through dialogue, and each party can raise its own concerns," the ministry said in a faxed response to AFP.

"But the parties must consult with each other about how to set the agenda items."

US Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly, the top American envoy to the six-party talks in Beijing, told a US Senate hearing Tuesday that other issues apart from North Korea's nuclear program could be put on the agenda.

"Missiles, conventional forces and serious human rights concerns could be discussed, and progress could lead to full normalization," he said.

A second round of six-nation talks, involving China, the United States, the two Koreas, Japan and Russia, ended last week in the Chinese capital with agreement to establish working groups and meet again before the end of June.

WAR.WIRE