North Korea’s Ambassador to China Chi Jae-ryong was found to have recently held a series of meetings with senior Chinese government officials.

Experts say this may be an indication that North Korean leader Kim Jong-il’s heir apparent and third son, Jong-un, is likely to visit China sometime between the end of this month and early May.

According to diplomatic sources in Beijing, Chi met with Jia Qinglin, who is the chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, on March 25th. Sources added that he met Li Changchun, who is the fifth highest ranking member of the Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China, on April 2nd.

Chi was also found to have met with of Xinhua News Agency President Li Congjun, People’s Daily President Zhang Yannong and Culture Minister Cai Wu between the end of March and early April.