BEIJING, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Friday said "there is no other choice but diplomacy" when addressing the Korean peninsular nuclear issue.

"The Korean peninsular nuclear issue now stands at the crossroad and what course to follow is directly related to the peace and stability in east Asia and the world at large," Wen told visiting U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

"There is no other choice but diplomacy and dialogue," Wen said.

Prior to the meeting, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan met with Rice.

"Fortunately, my visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) this time has not been in vain," Tang told Rice at the start of their meeting.