Clinton lays down working criteria for N. Korea

BEIJING - The United States is willing to work with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea if it changes its ways, said US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Friday.

"The new leadership in Pyongyang still has the opportunity to change course and put their people first," said Clinton, according to Reuters.

"If they focus on honoring their commitments and rejoining the international community, and on feeding and educating their citizens, the United States will welcome them and work with them," she said.

Clinton made the remarks on the second day of the China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue in Beijing.

"We recognize the role China has played so far, and we hope we can continue to work together to make it clear to North Korea that strength and security will come from prioritizing people, not provocation," she said, according to the Associated Press.

China and the US have reached a consensus for benign interaction in the region, said Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Cui Tiankai at a joint news conference at the conclusion of the two-day dialogue.

In 2011, the two countries set up a bilateral consultation mechanism for the region, and the fourth round of talks will be held this year.

The US has never really taken its hands off the Asia-Pacific region, said Cui.