The special U.S. envoy to North Korea said Dec. 12 that no plans have been made for more direct talks with the reclusive communist nation and that all parties in the effort to end the standoff over its nuclear program should exercise "strategic patience" for now.

Stephen Bosworth was in Beijing to brief Chinese officials on his meetings with North Korean officials, which he called "very businesslike, very candid, forward-looking." But he said how and when stalled six-nation negotiations on the North's nuclear disarmament would resume is yet to be resolved.

"This may be the time to exercise strategic patience," Bosworth told reporters. "Everyone, including North Korea, may need to sit quietly for a bit and see what happens."

North Korea said Dec. 11 it understands the need to resume the nuclear negotiations and would work with Washington to resolve remaining "differences."