Head of the international department of China’s Communist Party, Wang Jiarui, will reportedly visit North Korea as early as next week.

A diplomatic source in Beijing said Friday that Wang is likely to visit Pyongyang sometime next week as part of a regular visit Chinese officials make each year to convey New Year’s greetings.

However, the official added that Wang’s visit could also lead to a significant development in efforts to resume the stalled six-way nuclear talks.

Observers believe Wang’s visit signals that China, the host of the six-nation talks, has begun making preparations to reopen the nuclear discussions.

Given that Wang is expected to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-il during his stay, attention is being drawn to whether Kim will announce the North’s return to the six-nation talks.

Wang will reportedly deliver to Kim a letter from Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Wang previously visited Pyongyang in 2004, 2005 and 2008. In each of those visits, Wang reportedly met with the reclusive North Korean leader and conveyed a letter or a message from the Chinese president.