Vice Chairman Jang Song-thaek of North Korea’s National Defense Commission is visiting China with a delegation of some 50 officials.

The North’s state-run Korean Central News Agency said Jang will meet with Chinese officials Tuesday on jointly developing the Raseon special economic zone and the North Korean islands of Hwanggeumpyeong and Wihwa at the mouth of the Yalu River.

Sources say the North’s delegation will later inspect economic facilities in the southern parts of China or three northeastern provinces.

Sources say that Jang, who plays a key role in managing the North’s economic policies, is expected to request China’s active economic assistance during his trip.

Jang, who is also North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s uncle, is the highest-ranking North Korean official to visit China since Kim came to power. Jang is scheduled to stay in China until Saturday and meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao among other senior officials.