Chinese diplomat visits Pyongyang to seek closer alliance

BEIJING, Jan. 9 (Yonhap) -- A senior Chinese foreign ministry official headed to
North Korea Friday ahead of the 60th anniversary commemoration of the
establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, an informed source
said.
Assistant Foreign Minister Hu Zhengyue, in charge of Asian affairs and
disarmament, plans to discuss anniversary-related events and visits by
higher-level officials later this year, the source added.
"He will stay in Pyongyang until Jan. 11, leading a Chinese government delegation
composed of about 10 officials," the source said.
North Korea and China designated 2009 as a "year of friendship," with the two
sides expected to exchange high-profile visits.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-il made his last trip to China in January 2006 and
Chinese President Hu Jintao traveled to Pyongyang as recently as October 2005.
"This year is a good opportunity for either Kim or Hu to make such a trip again,"
the source said, adding Kim's reported illness could be a key factor affecting
his schedule.
Kim suffered a stroke last summer, according to South Korean intelligence
officials, but his current health condition has yet to be confirmed.
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