China says its decision to send a top-ranking official to celebrate North Korea’s foundation day shows the importance of  relations between the two countries. 

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hua Chunying relayed the Chinese government’s stance at a regular media briefing on Friday, speaking on the planned visit to Pyongyang by Li Zhanshu. 

Li, the chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, will fly to the North this week to attend the 70th anniversary celebration of the founding of the North. 

She denied speculation that President Xi Jinping’s decision not to visit the North is due to the ongoing trade disputes with Washington, saying the two issues are not related. 

Hua argued Li’s plan to lead a delegation to the North as Xi’s special envoy is a “special consideration” that shows China is “highly prioritizing” the relations with the North.  

She also said any envoy visit between China and the North is a joint decision made through communication, indicating China talked with the North about Li’s visit in advance.