Unification Minister Lee Jong-seok says that if reports on North Korean leader Kim Jong-il's visit to China are true, it would be a very positive thing.

In a regular briefing Thursday, however, Lee denied having concrete intelligence on the rumored visit.

Calling talks between state leaders the most meaningful solution to break the current deadlock, the minister said Kim's visit to Beijing, if realized, will serve as a turning point.

He also said he doesn't know anything about reports that the United States may discuss sanctions directly with North Korea before six-way nuclear talks resume.

Lee added that there is no new intelligence on a possible North Korean nuclear test or another launch of its long-range Daepodong Two missile.