"We believe that China can do even more to bring its full influence -- not just to persuade North Korea to return to the talks as soon as possible but to commit to comprehensive denuclearization," Joseph DeTrani, the State Department representative at the talks, told a Senate panel.

DeTrani made his remarks at a US Senate Foreign Relations hearing on his nomination to formally receive the title of ambassador to the talks, where he has represented the United States since November 2003.

Another nominee at the hearing, Ambassador Christoper Hill, the George W. Bush administration's choice for assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, echoed DeTrani's comments.

"It's our view that China, as the host of this process, should make sure they get everyone to the table," said Hill of the talks that have been derailed for several months following a decision by Pyongyang to pull out of the negotiations.

"We need to see some progress here. And if we don't, we need to look at other ways to deal with this," said Hill. "We've got to pick up the pace here."

He stressed that Washington continues to reject the use force or unilateral action to resolve the crisis.

"North Korea's nuclear programs are a multilateral threat and we seek a multilateral solution," said Hill, who since July 2004 has been US ambassador to South Korea, and has headed the US delegation at the six-party negotiations.

"In spite of North Korea's rhetoric, president Bush and Secretary (of State Condoleezza) Rice have made clear we have no intention of invading or attacking North Korea," Hill said.

"Our hope is North Korea will see the value in giving up its nuclear programs. It's a path that would benefit greatly North Korea and its 23 million people," added DeTrani.

Prior to becoming special envoy to the six-party talks, DeTrani worked for nearly 40 years at the Central Intelligence Agency, including his last position as chief of East Asian operations.

Also at the hearing was Thomas Schieffer, the nominee to become US ambassador for Japan. All three nominees must be approved by the Foreign Relations Committee, and then by the full Senate.

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