A Japanese daily says the head of the international affairs department of China's Communist Party is finalizing plans to visit Pyongyang this month.

Quoting diplomatic sources in Beijing, the Mainichi Shimbun said Thursday that Wang Jiarui is likely to visit Pyongyang soon amid rumors of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il’s failing health.

The paper said Wang’s visit would come amid the two countries’ celebration of the 60th anniversary of their establishment of diplomatic ties.

The report cited that when Wang, thought to be close with Kim, visited the North last January, Pyongyang organized a grand welcoming banquet.