The talks involving China, the two Koreas, Japan, Russia and the United States are in their third day with little progress so far.

North Korea and the United States held their third bilateral meeting on Thursday to try and thrash out their differences.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang said they were still working to find common ground.

"It's far too early to say if there is a breakthrough or a breakdown," he said.

"There were difficulties but there is a willingness to continue talking. I think they are in the process of finding common ground and there are differences but what the common ground is, I'm not in a position to comment.

"There are many problems that need to be discussed ... and everyone needs to continue talking."

Pyongyang refuses to disarm until Washington normalizes relations, among other conditions. A key sticking point is an American allegation that North Korea is running a highly enriched uranium program.

The North denies this and China said it was an issue that needed to be clarified.

"This issue has to be clarified in the process of the six-party talks," said Qin.

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