The United States will consider other options for ending the dispute over North Korea's nuclear program if the North refuses to cooperate in a negotiated settlement, U.S Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Monday. At a news conference after meeting with President Hu Jintao and other Chinese leaders in Beijing, Rice said if North Korea refuses to cooperate, "then of course we'll have to look at other options." China was the final stop on a weeklong tour of Asian capitals for Rice. During her visit, Rice said that she discussed North Korea with Chinese leaders, and the "strong emphasis of the conversation" was on how each government _ "but especially China" _ could persuade the North to return to negotiations. Rice said that Beijing _ the closest ally of otherwise isolated North Korea _ has a special role to play in persuading Pyongyang to come back to the bargaining table. On another issue of concern to Washington is China's passage this month of a law declaring its intention to use military force against Taiwan, split from the mainland in 1949, should the island declare formal independence. "Clearly the anti-secession law did increase tensions," Rice said at the news conference after meeting with President Hu and other Chinese leaders. Rice said she told Chinese leaders that "the most useful path would be to find ways to reduce tensions." Rice also suggested that European governments would be acting irresponsibly if they sold sophisticated weaponry to China that might one day be used against U.S. forces in the Pacific. She said that "is not a wise course" and could worsen tensions between China and Taiwan.
