UPDATE 1-China says hopes Security Council reaches consensus on N.Korea sanctions

China hopes the U.N. Security Council will reach a consensus on a draft resolution regarding easing sanctions on North Korea, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a media briefing on Tuesday.

China and Russia on Monday proposed that the Security Council lift some U.N. sanctions on North Korea, but a U.S. State Department official said it was not the time. China hopes the Security Council can speak with one voice on the issue, Geng told the regular briefing.

The United States and North Korea, which have been discussing steps that could lead to North Korea giving up its nuclear and missile programmes, should continue their talks, said Geng. China was ready to work with all parties on a solution, Geng said, adding that the situation on the Korean peninsula was at a critical and sensitive stage.