It did not specify whether other Chinese officials would meet Mr Choe or how long he would stay.

BBC: China media: North Korea diplomacy

However, Prof Zhu predicts that China will not let Mr Choe leave empty-handed and is likely to provide economic aid.

BBC: China media: North Korea diplomacy

Prof Shi says Mr Choe's trip is "primarily aimed at repairing ties which are at their lowest ebb since the Korean war ended in 1953".

BBC: China media: North Korea diplomacy

Chinese state media also reported that Mr. Choe agreed to unspecified dialogue and the possible resumption of six-party talks, which were used until 2008 to seek North Korea's reversal of its nuclear program.

WSJ: North Korea Reiterates Commitment to Building Nuclear Weapons