A Japanese newspaper reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un wishes to visit China within the year.

According to the Nihon Keizai, which cited sources in North Korea and China, international secretary for the North’s Workers’ Party Kim Yong-il had delivered the young leader’s hope to visit Beijing to Chinese President Hu Jintao late in April.

According to the report, Hu said he would welcome Kim Jong-un's visit to China.

Kim’s visit is seen as a necessary step for North Korea to reinforce relations with China in order to improve its economic status while maintaining a hard-line stance following the failed launch of a long-range missile.

North Korea is also expected to engage closely with the next leadership of China to retain ties with its biggest ally.