North Korea on Wednesday sent a close aide to its leader Kim Jong-un to China as his special envoy for talks with Chinese leaders apparently aimed at improving bilateral relations remaining strained since the North's missile launch last year and the February nuclear test.
The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) announced the dispatch of Choe Ryong-hae, Director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People's Army, to Beijing as special envoy.
Choe is considered a close confidant of the North Korean leader and is often seen in Kim's company when he conducts on-site inspections within the country.
His is the second high-level visit by a North Korean official since Jang Song-thaek's trip last August. Jang, who is known to have personnel ties with many senior Chinese officials, is currently the Vice-Chairman of the country's powerful National Defense Commission and Kim's uncle.
Observers say that Choe is likely to discuss with Chinese leaders the need for easing tensions on the Korean peninsula. North Korea also wants to reaffirm ties with China which is its close ally and biggest trading partner.
China has supported the latest round U.N. sanctions on North Korea and has suspended transactions between the Bank of China and North Korea's Foreign Trade Bank since its third nuclear test in February last.
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