China could invite North Korea's reclusive leader Kim Jong-il to Beijing to improve bilateral relations that soured after the North’s missile tests.

A government source in Seoul said Chinese President Hu Jintao is expected to send an official invitation when its new ambassador to the North, Liu Xiaoming, arrives in Pyongyang early this week.

Hu is also expected to urge Kim not to conduct a nuclear test.

A diplomatic source in Seoul also said China believes it has to invite Kim for Beijing and Pyongyang to have a summit to restore soured relations.

Reports say Seoul is watching the situation closely, collecting intelligence on Kim's possible visit to Beijing through a number of channels.

Sources in China said that if Kim accepts the invitation, he will likely visit China as early as this week or as late as September 19th.