A leading Japanese daily says North Korean leader Kim Jong-il is likely to visit China as early as the middle of this month.

The Mainichi Shimbun quoted a diplomatic source in Beijing as saying Wednesday that the reclusive North Korean leader is expected to make an unofficial visit to China soon in response to an invitation extended by the Communist Party of China.

The paper said Kim’s visit is most likely to come after March 15th, when China’s National People's Congress will close.

The report said that during the potential visit to China, Kim is likely to meet with President Hu Jintao to discuss the provision of aid to the North and Pyongyang’s nuclear issue.

The daily added that it is unclear whether Kim’s third son and heir apparent, Jong-un, will accompany his father to China.