China has offered North Korea ten thousand tons of diesel fuel and deferral of debt repayments in economic aid.

The Wall Street Journal said the offer was made during North Korean Premier Pak Bong-ju's visit to Beijing late last month.

North Korea is suffering from shortages of energy and foreign currency to repay its external debts.

Pak, a key official in charge of the North's economic reforms, met with Chinese leaders including President Hu Jintao and also traveled to Shanghai and Shenyang during his stay.