Annan arrives in Beijing to discuss nuclear stand-off

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan arrived in Beijing today for talks on North Korea’s nuclear programme and mending ties between Japan, South Korea and China.

Annan, during his trip through Asia that has so far included stops in South Korea and Japan, has called on Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing to repair damage to their relations caused by disputes over wartime history and conflicting claims to gas and oil resources under the East China Sea.

Annan was also likely to discuss the stand-off over Iran’s nuclear aspirations during a meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao, whose government has rejected efforts to pressure Tehran to give up its nuclear programme, calling instead for more diplomacy.

China, along with fellow permanent Security Council member Russia, has opposed bringing Iran’s case to a vote in the UN Security Council, where the United States, Britain and France have pressed for sanctions, disputing Iran’s claim that’s its programme is for peaceful purposes.

Annan also planned to discuss UN reforms during the trip.

China vehemently opposes Japan becoming a permanent member of the Security council.