China, which has faced pressure from the U.S. and other nations to start throwing its political weight around in Korea, called for an emergency meeting of the six countries previously involved in nuclear talks with North Korea. 

The same day that the U.S. and South Korea began military exercises in response to North Korea’s attack on South Korea, China’s Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei announced that the Chinese foreign ministry wants to convene in Beijing in December with Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Russia and the U.S. – the countries that have participated in past talks about North Korea’s nuclear program.

It is unclear, however, what the goal of the talks in December would be and whether the conversation would focus on North Korea’s recent actions or on the country’s nuclear program.

Vice President Joe Biden lauded China’s proposal as a "fine first step," but said the country needs to take advantage of its economic position and put pressure on North Korea.

Read more from the New York Times here.