THE United States and North Korea last week announced they had reached a sweeping deal during their direct talks in Beijing. North Korea said it had agreed to suspend nuclear activities at Nyongbyon. On the U.S. side, it has promised to provide North Korea with food aid.

    This, of course, is a first positive step toward the resumption of the Six-Party Talks. However, to achieve the ultimate goal of denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula, all parties concerned have to embark on a long path of negotiations.

    The United States should refrain from further flexing its military muscle in war games. The two sides should also take actions to fulfill their promises and create a favorable condition for the resumption of the Six-Party Talks.

    Wang Wu via e-mail