Beijing ? China and North Korea agreed “in principle” Thursday to convene a second round of six-nation talks on Pyongyang’s nuclear program, further evidence of an increased diplomatic role for Beijing in the yearlong dispute.

The reports were welcomed by the United States, which said the “multiparty process” offered the best hope of getting North Korea to abandon its nuclear ambitions.

While couched in tentative language, the North’s latest statement could be more binding because it was made publicly alongside China, its last major ally and one it would be reluctant to alienate.

No timeframe was given for future talks, and it was not immediately clear what the next step would be. The United States wants North Korea to shut down its nuclear program immediately.

Word of the accord came after a meeting between Kim Jong Il, the North’s reclusive leader, and Wu Bangguo, the most senior Chinese to visit North Korea since 2001.

In its national evening newscast, China Central Television showed Wu, head of China’s legislature and its No. 2 communist, shaking hands with a smiling Kim. Wu is on a three-day “goodwill” visit as China tries to ensure another round of the six-nation summit held in Beijing in August.

“Both sides agreed in principle that the six-way talks should continue,” CCTV’s anchorwoman said. “China and North Korea support the idea of a peaceful resolution to the North Korean issue through dialogue.”

The official news agencies of North Korea and China confirmed the report.