China urges North Korea talks, skirts questions on U.S. sanctions push

FILE PHOTO: Chinese ambassador Liu Jieyi addresses the United Nations Security Council on North Korea at the United Nations Headquarters in New York March 2, 2016. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - China on Tuesday pushed for dialogue with North Korea and the full implementation of United Nations sanctions over Pyongyang's ballistic missile and nuclear tests, skirting questions about Beijing's talks with the United States on possible new measures.

Almost a month ago Washington began discussions with North Korea ally China on strengthening U.N. sanctions. However, a week ago U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley said Beijing had gone quiet.