A GROUP of independent Chinese intellectuals and academics has signed an open letter asking the government to halt aid to North Korea and help bring about regime change in the Stalinist state.

According to the letter, China should support the reunion of Korea under a democratic system, removing a heavy economic, political and security burden on Beijing.

"The repeated nuclear tests illustrate the failure of six-party talks," the letter written by Beijing-based constitutional academic Zhang Hui said.

"The ruling party of China should bear the responsibility, and the Chinese government should stop aid to the Kim regime and fulfil the international community's sanctions on the country."

Mr Zhang told The Australian that, so far, more than 60 academics, lawyers and public servants across China had signed the letter - which was released on the internet.