The National Intelligence Service says North Korean leader Kim Jong-il is likely to visit China sometime between April 25th and the 28th.

An unidentified source from the agency says Kim’s visit to China could take place around April 25th, given that the birthday of North Korea founder Kim Il-sung falls on April 15th and considering Chinese President Hu Jintao’s planned trip to the United States next week.

Kim’s visit was expected to come late last month while an “advance team” from the communist state was staying in Beijing. The presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said last week that Kim’s visit to Beijing was imminent.