U-S Secretary of State Colin Powell has issued a stern warning to North Korea that it must abandon any plans for manufacturing nuclear weapons.
Mr. Powell flew to South Korea Monday after talks with China's top leaders in Beijing. Before leaving, the U-S diplomat said Washington believes North Korea already has enough nuclear fuel for one or two bombs. He said any further move by Pyongyang in that direction would be viewed as very serious.
After meeting with Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Vice President Hu Jintao, Mr. Powell said he thinks Beijing is eager to play a constructive role in resolving the crisis over North Korea's nuclear program. He said China wants to help persuade Pyongyang to give up its nuclear ambitions.
In Seoul, Mr. Powell will attend the inauguration of South Korea's new president, Roh Moo-hyun. The two will later meet to discuss North Korea.
North Korea's official media stepped up their anti-U-S rhetoric Monday. One government newspaper, the Rodong Sinmun, accused Washington of planning to attack the country.