China's ambassador to South Korea says that Chinese President Xi Jinping is considering a visit to Seoul in the first half of next year.
Qiu Guohong made the revelation at a forum hosted by the Federation of Korean Industries on Thursday, noting a recent visit by Foreign Minister Wang Yi as part of preparations for reciprocal visits by the leaders of the two countries.
Qiu said such high-level relationships between the two sides provide an important opportunity in the development of ties between Seoul and Beijing.
In a likely reference to a bilateral row over Seoul's deployment of the U.S.' THAAD anti-missile defense system, the ambassador said he believes that after weathering the storm, Seoul-Beijing ties will emerge more robust and friendly.
Referring to the Moon Jae-in administration's New Southern Policy aimed at bolstering partnerships in South and Southeast Asia, Ambassador Qui suggested that Seoul and Beijing combine efforts to achieve such ends.